Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder. It often follows an injury that limited shoulder movement for weeks or months, letting the joint capsule tighten and develop scar tissue — though sometimes it happens with no clear cause at all.
What it feels like
A real loss of ability to move the shoulder in every direction — not just pain with movement, but a physical limit, sometimes with a grinding sensation. This is what distinguishes it from most other shoulder conditions on this site.
Rehab progression
- Wand-assisted stretches: using a stick held in both hands to gently push the stiff arm through flexion, extension, and rotation — the uninjured arm does the work.
- Scapular range of motion: shrugs and shoulder blade squeezes keep the surrounding muscles from stiffening further.
- Single-arm active lifts: once motion improves, lifting the arm independently, adding light weight as tolerated.
Consistency matters more than intensity here — gentle daily stretching prevents further stiffening. If home exercises and physical therapy don’t restore motion, a procedure to break up the scar tissue (manipulation under anesthesia) is sometimes considered.
Frozen shoulder rehabilitation exercices
This page is educational and general in nature and does not replace an individualized evaluation — see our medical disclaimer.