Frozen Shoulder Physiotherapy in Ahmedabad

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the soft tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thick, tight and inflamed. This makes the shoulder painful and very stiff. Simple tasks like combing your hair, wearing a blouse, tying a saree, reaching a high shelf or putting your hand in your back pocket become difficult.

Frozen shoulder usually develops slowly and goes through stages:

1. Freezing stage: pain slowly increases, often worse at night, and movement starts to reduce.
2. Frozen stage: pain may ease a little, but the shoulder becomes very stiff.
3. Thawing stage: movement slowly returns.

The whole process can take months to a couple of years. It usually gets better on its own over time, but the pain and stiffness can affect sleep and daily life a lot. Physiotherapy helps you manage pain, keep moving and regain function sooner and more completely.

Who gets frozen shoulder

• Adults aged 40 to 60, more often women
• People with diabetes, who have a higher risk
• People with thyroid problems
• People whose arm has been kept still for a long time, for example after a fracture, surgery or a stroke

Common signs of frozen shoulder

• A deep ache in the shoulder, sometimes spreading to the upper arm
• Pain that wakes you at night, especially when lying on that side
• Gradual loss of movement in all directions
• Difficulty dressing, bathing and reaching
• You cannot lift the arm fully even with help from the other hand

How I help

Treatment depends on your stage.

• When pain is high: gentle pain relief with heat, TENS and soft tissue work, easy pendulum and range of motion exercises, and sleeping positions with pillow support. I avoid forcing movement at this stage.
• When stiffness is the main problem: joint mobilisation, progressive stretching and exercises to regain reach overhead, out to the side and behind the back.
• As movement returns: strengthening the shoulder and upper back muscles so you can use the arm fully in daily life.
• Daily life tips: easier ways to dress, comb hair and reach, so you stay independent.

If you have diabetes, I also encourage you to work with your doctor on good sugar control.

Your first session

I ask about when the pain started, your sleep, your health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems, and what tasks are hardest. I measure how far your shoulder moves and check your neck, since neck problems can also cause shoulder pain. Then I start gentle treatment and show you simple exercises that are safe for your stage.

How many sessions you may need

Frozen shoulder takes patience. Many people come two or three times a week for the first several weeks, then less often while they continue daily exercises at home. I review your movement regularly so you can see your progress, even when it feels slow.