Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and limiting condition that affects shoulder mobility. It typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
- Frozen Stage: Severe restriction in movement, often lasting months.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual return of mobility and reduced discomfort.
If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, manual therapy can play a significant role in your recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore how manual therapy techniques help relieve pain, restore movement, and accelerate healing.
Benefits of Manual Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
- Pain Relief – Targeted therapy can alleviate discomfort by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation.
- Increased Mobility – Gentle stretching and mobilization techniques help improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Breaking Down Adhesions – Frozen shoulder often involves scar tissue formation. Manual therapy techniques can break down adhesions, reducing stiffness.
- Enhanced Blood Flow – Improving circulation can speed up the healing process and promote tissue regeneration.
- Complementary to Other Treatments – When combined with exercise and stretching, manual therapy offers a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Additional Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
While manual therapy is highly beneficial, an integrated approach provides the best results. Other treatments include:
- Stretching and Mobility Exercises – Daily movement exercises prevent stiffness and aid recovery.
- Pain Management – NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or other medications can help reduce inflammation.
- Heat and Cold Therapy – Alternating between heat and ice can soothe discomfort and minimize swelling.
- Home Exercise Routine – Consistent at-home exercises maintain progress and prevent regression.
- Medical Interventions – In severe cases, hydrodilatation (fluid injection to stretch the capsule) or surgery may be necessary.
The Importance of a Customized Treatment Plan
Each case of frozen shoulder is unique, requiring a personalized treatment approach. A professional manual therapist can assess your condition and develop a tailored plan to restore function and ease discomfort. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, consult a manual therapy specialist to explore your options.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let frozen shoulder limit your daily life. Manual therapy, combined with the right exercises and medical guidance, can help you regain movement and reduce pain. Contact a qualified manual therapist today to start your journey toward better shoulder health.
External Resource
Some videos and Exercises
Note: These exercises seem simple and safe to me if done according to the instructions. However this is at the user's own risk.
References /further readings
- L Dueñas M Balasch-Bernat et al. A manual therapy and home stretching program in patients with primary frozen shoulder contracture syndrome: a case series. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2019 49(3) pp: 192-201; Online Feb28th.
https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2019.8194 - Noten S, Meeus M, Stassijns G, et al. Efficacy of different types of mobilization techniques in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 May;97(5):815-25.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999315010667