Frozen shoulder — medically known as adhesive capsulitis — is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and a dramatic loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually, typically over months, and can be profoundly disabling, affecting your ability to dress, sleep, drive, and perform everyday tasks.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens, tightens, and develops adhesions — essentially 'sticking' the joint in place. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is more common in people aged 40–60, women, diabetics, and those who have had prolonged shoulder immobility from injury or surgery. It progresses through three classic stages: freezing (pain), frozen (stiffness), and thawing (recovery).
Common Symptoms
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain that worsens over weeks or months
- Progressive loss of shoulder range of motion — especially rotation and lifting
- Pain that is worse at night, disrupting sleep
- Inability to reach overhead, behind the back, or across the body
- Dull, aching pain at the outer shoulder and upper arm
- Muscle wasting around the shoulder from disuse
Common Causes
- Prolonged shoulder immobility following injury, surgery, or sling use
- Diabetes (diabetics are significantly more prone to adhesive capsulitis)
- Thyroid disorders (hypo- and hyperthyroidism)
- Previous rotator cuff injury or shoulder surgery
- Stroke or mastectomy (due to restricted shoulder movement)
- Autoimmune inflammatory processes
- Idiopathic (unknown cause) — common in otherwise healthy adults
Treatments at Woodbridge Rehabilitation Centre
Our multidisciplinary team creates a personalized treatment plan based on your specific presentation, health history, and goals. The following therapies may be recommended individually or in combination.
Physiotherapy
Progressive joint mobilization, capsular stretching, and range-of-motion exercises are the cornerstone of frozen shoulder rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists use skilled manual techniques to gently restore capsular mobility and improve shoulder range.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic mobilization of the shoulder joint, cervical, and thoracic spine addresses contributing joint restrictions throughout the kinetic chain, improving overall shoulder mechanics and reducing pain.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue work around the shoulder capsule, rotator cuff, and pectoral muscles may help reduce muscle guarding and discomfort, making joint mobilization more comfortable.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help reduce pain for some patients, which can make exercise and mobilization easier to tolerate.
Softwave Therapy
Some small clinical trials suggest shockwave therapy may reduce pain and improve range of motion in frozen shoulder. It is used as an adjunct to physiotherapy and exercise; it does not physically break up capsular adhesions.
Selected References
- Kelley MJ, et al. Shoulder pain and mobility deficits: adhesive capsulitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(5):A1–A31.
- Page MJ, et al. Manual therapy and exercise for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(8):CD011275.
Last updated: September 2026. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare provider.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book an assessment at Woodbridge Rehabilitation Centre in Vaughan, ON. Our team will evaluate your condition and design a personalized treatment plan.
Book Online Now Call 905-856-4444