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Frozen Shoulder
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Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Perth

Adhesive capsulitis is painful and slow — but the right physiotherapy significantly reduces how long it takes and how much it hurts.

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Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Perth

Frozen shoulder — formally known as adhesive capsulitis — is a condition characterised by progressive pain, stiffness, and loss of shoulder range of motion due to inflammation and fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule. It affects approximately 3-5% of the general population, and is more common in women and in people with diabetes. <sup>[1]</sup>

Left untreated, frozen shoulder typically progresses through three phases: freezing (painful, increasing stiffness), frozen (stiffness predominates, pain begins to ease), and thawing (gradual return of motion). This natural history can span 1-3 years.

Physiotherapy significantly reduces the duration and severity of each phase. Early intervention during the freezing phase is particularly important.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder

Idiopathic (primary) — no identifiable cause
Diabetes mellitus — significantly increases risk
Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
Previous shoulder injury or surgery (secondary frozen shoulder)
Prolonged immobilisation following arm fracture or stroke

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Phase-Specific Assessment
Determine your current phase (freezing, frozen, or thawing) to guide appropriate treatment intensity and technique selection.
02
Pain Management
Manual therapy appropriate to your phase — gentle mobilisation during freezing, progressive mobilisation during frozen and thawing — to manage pain and begin restoring movement.
03
Capsular Stretching
Specific glenohumeral capsular stretching techniques targeting the anteroinferior capsule — the primary site of restriction — to restore external rotation and abduction.
04
Strength Restoration
Progressive rotator cuff and periscapular strengthening as range of motion returns during the thawing phase, to restore full function.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Phase-Appropriate Treatment
Aggressive mobilisation during the freezing phase worsens outcomes. We tailor treatment to your current stage.
✦
Medical Collaboration
We work alongside your GP or orthopaedic specialist when corticosteroid injection or hydrodilatation is appropriate, ensuring coordinated care.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does frozen shoulder last?+
Without treatment, frozen shoulder typically lasts 1-3 years. Physiotherapy — particularly when combined with corticosteroid injection during the freezing phase — can significantly reduce this timeline, often achieving substantial recovery within 6-12 months.
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff tear?+
No. Frozen shoulder involves fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule, producing global restriction of movement in all planes. A rotator cuff tear involves disruption of the rotator cuff tendons, which typically preserves passive range of motion. Both can cause significant pain but require different management.
Will I need surgery for frozen shoulder?+
Most cases of frozen shoulder resolve without surgery. Surgical intervention — typically arthroscopic capsular release — is reserved for cases that have not responded to a full course of conservative management, usually defined as 6-12 months of physiotherapy and injection therapy.
Should I push through the pain and stretch aggressively?+
During the freezing phase, aggressive stretching can increase inflammation and worsen the condition. During the frozen and thawing phases, progressive sustained stretching is appropriate and important. The correct intensity depends on your phase — this is why physiotherapy guidance is essential.
Can frozen shoulder recur?+
Recurrence in the same shoulder after full recovery is rare. However, approximately 17% of people who have frozen shoulder in one shoulder will develop it in the contralateral shoulder within 5 years. This risk is higher in people with diabetes.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for frozen shoulder often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

General Physiotherapy

Expert assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.

Learn more →
Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062