Frozen Shoulder Rehab

Who Needs This Rehabilitation?

This rehabilitation program is suitable for patients who have:

• Shoulder pain with gradually increasing stiffness

• Difficulty lifting the arm, especially overhead or behind the back

• Frozen shoulder related to diabetes or thyroid disorders

• Post-injury or post-surgical shoulder stiffness

• Persistent shoulder restriction lasting more than a few weeks

• Early or established stages of frozen shoulder diagnosed by a doctor

Goals of Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation program is designed to:

• Reduce shoulder pain and inflammation

• Gradually restore shoulder mobility

• Improve functional use of the arm in daily activities

• Prevent long-term stiffness and muscle weakness

• Promote safe and steady recovery without flare-ups

Key Components of Rehabilitation

Pain Control & Inflammation Management

• Reducing pain is essential before mobility can improve

• Controlled activity helps prevent further joint irritation

• Proper pacing of movement avoids symptom aggravation

Shoulder Mobility Restoration

• Gradual improvement of joint range without forceful stretching

• Focus on safe movement patterns based on the disease stage

• Avoidance of sudden or aggressive motions

Muscle Strength & Control

• Maintaining shoulder and surrounding muscle strength

• Preventing muscle wasting due to prolonged stiffness

• Supporting joint stability during movement

Functional Shoulder Use

• Improving ability to perform daily tasks

• Coordinating shoulder movement with neck and upper back

• Encouraging confidence in using the affected arm

Stage-Based Rehabilitation Approach

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages, and rehabilitation must match the current phase.

Painful (Freezing) Stage

Primary Focus:

• Pain relief

• Gentle, protected movements

• Avoiding aggressive stretching

Stiff (Frozen) Stage

Primary Focus:

• Gradual improvement in shoulder movement

• Controlled mobility progression

• Preventing secondary muscle tightness

Recovery (Thawing) Stage

Primary Focus:

• Restoring functional range of motion

• Improving shoulder strength

• Returning to normal daily activities safely

Progression between stages varies among individuals and should be guided by clinical assessment.

Lifestyle & Daily Activity Advice

• Use the affected arm regularly within pain limits

• Avoid prolonged immobilization of the shoulder

• Maintain good posture during sitting and work

• Modify activities rather than completely stopping them

• Be patient—recovery is gradual, not immediate

Lifestyle & Daily Activity Advice

• Use the affected arm regularly within pain limits

• Avoid prolonged immobilization of the shoulder

• Maintain good posture during sitting and work

• Modify activities rather than completely stopping them

• Be patient—recovery is gradual, not immediate

When Surgery Is Considered

Most frozen shoulder cases recover without surgery. Surgical intervention is considered only when:

• Adequate rehabilitation fails over several months

• Severe stiffness persists despite conservative care

• Pain and restriction significantly impair quality of life

Surgery is not the first option and is decided only after careful evaluation.

Important Note

Incorrect, forceful, or unsupervised exercises can worsen frozen shoulder and prolong recovery. Online videos or generic routines may not match your disease stage. Rehabilitation should always be guided by proper medical assessment.