Explore symptoms, assessment and rehabilitation considerations for shoulder pain.
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness that can make dressing, reaching and sleeping difficult. Symptoms can last a long time, and treatment should reflect your current movement and pain rather than a promised recovery date.
Symptoms and the phases of frozen shoulder
The NHS frozen shoulder guide describes shoulder pain, often worse at night, and difficulty moving the joint. Arrange an assessment if pain and stiffness persist or make it hard to move the arm.
The Bexley NHS MSK guidance describes three phases:
- Freezing: pain develops and may disturb sleep.
- Frozen: stiffness restricts daily tasks, and pain can remain.
- Thawing: pain and movement gradually improve.
These labels describe a pattern, not a timetable for everyone. A clinician can assess whether your symptoms fit frozen shoulder or need investigation for another cause.
When shoulder pain needs urgent medical assessment
Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe pain, inability to move the arm, a shoulder that has changed shape or is badly swollen, persistent pins and needles or loss of feeling. An arm that feels unusually hot or cold, pain after an injury, or shoulder pain with fever or feeling unwell also needs urgent assessment.
The NHS shoulder pain guidance explains these warning signs. Do not put new injury symptoms down to an existing frozen shoulder.
Treatment and physiotherapy options
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy treatment guidance explains options for frozen shoulder. Care may combine appropriate pain relief with gentle movement and exercises. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about medicines that are suitable for you. A doctor may consider a steroid injection or other treatment if symptoms need additional support.
A physiotherapist can assess movement, help choose stretching and strengthening options and review the response. Follow the programme you are given; strenuous exercises chosen without advice can worsen symptoms.
Gentle movement to discuss with a physiotherapist
Pendulum movement
Support yourself with the unaffected arm on a stable table. Lean forwards and let the affected arm hang relaxed, then make small gentle circles if comfortable. The Bexley guidance demonstrates this movement.
Assisted shoulder rotation
Hold a stick with both elbows bent and close to your sides. Use the unaffected arm to gently guide the sore arm outwards, keeping its elbow beside the body. Do not force the movement.
The Berkshire Healthcare self-care guide illustrates assisted rotation. Ask about a suitable range and repetitions before starting. Pause exercises that worsen symptoms and arrange a review.
Sleep and everyday comfort
Berkshire Healthcare suggests supporting the arm with a pillow when sitting or sleeping. Try lying on your back or the opposite side with the arm supported, rather than lying on the painful shoulder.
If you use a warm pack, protect your skin and seek advice first if sensation is reduced. Tell your clinician if pain repeatedly interrupts sleep or affects dressing and personal care.
Our neck and shoulder physiotherapy guide explains video assessment, rehabilitation planning and when in-person care is appropriate.
Common questions about frozen shoulder
How long does recovery take?
The NHS notes that symptoms can take months or years to improve. Agree on review points with your clinician and assess progress through the tasks that matter to you.
Should I keep the shoulder completely still?
Follow advice on gentle movement rather than avoiding all use. The suitable amount depends on your pain, movement and any other instructions you have been given.
Sources and further reading
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