How to Cure Frozen Shoulder Quickly: Expert Treatment Guide

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common yet painful condition that limits shoulder movement and affects day-to-day activities like combing hair, reaching overhead, or wearing clothes. It develops gradually and can last several months to years if left untreated. Early diagnosis and active treatment can significantly shorten recovery time and prevent chronic stiffness.

At PACE Hospitals, our orthopedic doctors and physiotherapy experts use evidence-based, minimally invasive techniques to help patients recover faster from frozen shoulder and restore full mobility.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue capsule around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. This leads to inflammation, discomfort, loss of movement and limited flexibility.

The condition typically progresses through three different stages:

• Freezing Stage (Painful Phase): Persistent shoulder pain with progressive loss of motion.
• Frozen Stage (Stiff Phase): Pain may reduce, but stiffness increases, restricting daily activity.
• Thawing Stage (Recovery Phase): Gradual improvement in motion and function with therapy.

• People aged 40–60 years
• Women more than men
• Diabetics and thyroid patients
• Individuals with prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery

While the exact cause is sometimes unclear (idiopathic), several factors increase the risk:

• Diabetes mellitus – most common underlying factor
• Thyroid disorders (Hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism)
• Prolonged immobility after shoulder injury, fracture, or surgery
• Repetitive strain injury (from desk jobs, computers, or smartphones)
• Postural strain and poor ergonomics
• Cervical spine issues that alter shoulder mechanics

At PACE Hospitals, we often see frozen shoulder cases among software professionals and sedentary workers, where prolonged mouse use or phone scrolling strains the shoulder tendons.

Frozen shoulder commonly called adhesive capsulitis happens when your shoulder capsule gets inflamed and tight. This causes pain and makes movement difficult. The problem develops in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. It mostly affects people aged 40 to 60, especially if they have diabetes, thyroid issues, or haven't moved their shoulder much for a while. Following are the treatment options for frozen shoulder:

For good reason, most doctors begin their careers in physical therapy. A systematic regimen of strengthening and stretching helps to progressively relax that constricted capsule.

What takes place in PT:

• Your therapist guides you through range-of-motion exercises.
• You will stretch the capsule in specific ways.
• Strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
• The therapist uses manual techniques to mobilize the joint.

Why it works:

• Your flexibility improves over time
• Pain levels drop
• Normal shoulder function comes back
• You're less likely to have problems again later

As you get better, your therapist makes the stretches more challenging. This gradual progression gives lasting results.

Basic Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful during the early stages of pain.

Stronger Prescription Medications

For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe:

• Stronger painkillers
• Muscle relaxants (typically for short-term use)

Use these with caution, as they can be habit-forming and may cause side effects.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

These medications help reduce both pain and inflammation and are often more effective when combined with physical therapy.

What happens is that your doctor administers a corticosteroid injection directly into your shoulder joint. Ultrasound is typically used to determine the precise location of the needle.

Why get one:

• Inflammation drops fast
• Pain gets much better
• You can do physical therapy (PT) exercises more easily



How long does it lasts:

The relief typically sticks around for a few weeks to a few months. This gives you a window to make real progress with exercises.

The procedure:

The doctor injects sterile salt water into your joint, sometimes mixed with numbing medicine and a bit of steroid. This fluid stretches out that tight capsule.

Benefits:

• Your range of motion improves quickly
• It works when PT alone isn't enough
• The procedure is minimally invasive and uses only local anesthesia

What comes next:

You must follow up with physical therapy after the procedure to maintain and further improve your new range of motion. Consistent exercises are essential to prevent the joint from becoming stiff again.

How it works:

You're put under general anesthesia, then the orthopedic doctor carefully moves your shoulder through its full range. This breaks up the adhesions.

When doctors recommend it:

• Standard treatments haven't worked
• Your shoulder is extremely stiff, with very limited movement



The risks:

Although there is a risk of ligament strain, fractures, or anesthetic issues, it is usually safe. PT is definitely necessary afterwards.

Why you might need it:

Surgery is recommended only when:

• Your pain stays severe
• Months of treatment haven't improved your movement
• You have a lot of scar tissue built up

What surgeons do:

Arthroscopic capsular release is the usual surgery. They put small instruments through tiny cuts and snip the tight parts of your capsule.

Recovery:

• Physical therapy(PT) starts right away
• Most people get much better movement within 2 to 3 months
  

• Acupuncture: Some people find that it reduces pain and relaxes the muscles around their shoulders.

• Chiropractic Adjustments: These can help your overall posture and ease strain in other joints but be careful.



• Massage Therapy: A good massage loosens tight muscles, improves blood flow, and supports your Physical therapy (PT) work.
  

Do’s and Don’ts for Frozen Shoulder

Applying these do's and don'ts helps prevent relapse and promotes faster recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Heal Frozen Shoulder?

The recovery period varies depending on the stage at which treatment begins:

• Early stage: 2–3 months with therapy and medication
• Moderate stage: 4–6 months of consistent physiotherapy
• Chronic stage: 9–18 months or longer

At PACE Hospitals, many patients experience 60–80% improvement within 6–8 weeks of guided therapy and home exercises.

Home Remedies for Frozen Shoulder: What You Can Do Yourself

You won't cure frozen shoulder overnight, but consistent home care makes a real difference in how quickly you recover. Here's what actually works.

• A warm compress loosens tight tissue
• Always use heat before you stretch
• It cuts down on pain and stiffness

Do these 3 to 4 times daily. Go slow and never force anything:

• Pendulum swings
• Towel stretch
• Wall climbs
• Doorway stretch
• Cross-body stretch

These gradually expand your shoulder's range of motion.

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen may temporarily reduce pain
• Helps you perform exercises more comfortably

Note: Just don't take them long-term without asking your doctor.

• Aim to avoid slouching and maintain a comfortable, upright posture throughout the day.
• Use a supportive pillow while sleeping to keep your spine aligned.
• Maintaining proper posture helps prevent further muscle tightening and decreases discomfort.

If soreness persists in your shoulder after stretching, ice it for 10 minutes to reduce discomfort.

• Don't completely stop using your shoulder
• Light daily movement stops it from getting stiffer

• Wait until pain improves before adding resistance
• This strengthens your muscles
• Skip heavy weights until you've got full movement back
  

• Heat up your shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes before stretching
• Stretch gently 3 to 4 times every day - consistency is everything
• Never completely rest the shoulder; keep it lightly active
• Pendulum exercises help maintain whatever mobility you have
• Stay away from overhead lifting or jerky movements
• Keep your posture good to reduce strain
• Ice after exercises if you feel soreness
• Start strengthening work once the pain lessens
• Sleep with your arm supported on a pillow
• Stretch gently - never force the movement

• Seek medical help if you notice:
• Difficulty while performing daily tasks like wearing clothes or lifting arms
• Persistent pain or stiffness despite rest
• Pain spreading to the neck or arm
• Weakness, tingling, or numbness

Early evaluation prevents complications such as chronic adhesive capsulitis or rotator-cuff injury.

At PACE Hospitals, the orthopaedic team uses advanced imaging (MRI, ultrasound) and precision-guided therapy to accurately diagnose and treat frozen shoulder, ensuring quicker recovery and better long-term results.

Diagnostics Used at PACE Hospitals

To confirm frozen shoulder and rule out other shoulder disorders, the following diagnostic tools are used:

• X-Ray: Rules out arthritis or fractures.
• Ultrasound: Detects inflammation or fluid in the capsule.
• MRI Scan: Evaluates capsule thickening, tendon tears, or associated impingement.
• Blood Tests: Check for diabetes or thyroid dysfunction that can delay healing.

These help tailor personalized treatment plans for every patient.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

• Stay physically active — avoid prolonged shoulder immobility.
• Control underlying diseases like diabetes and thyroid disorders.
• Follow ergonomic workstation setups.
• Warm up before gym workouts or sports.
• Get periodic shoulder mobility assessments, especially after injuries or surgeries.
• Prevention and early attention save months of pain and therapy.

PACE Hospitals – Advanced Care for Frozen Shoulder

PACE Hospitals in Hyderabad provides complete orthopaedic and physiotherapy services related to shoulder pain and mobility issues. Our multidisciplinary approach encompasses:

• Experienced orthopaedic surgeons and skilled physiotherapists
• Ultrasound-guided injections and minimally invasive techniques 
• Customized physiotherapy programs for individual's faster recovery
• Emphasis on posture correction, ergonomics, and prevention

With advanced diagnostic support and personalized care, PACE Hospitals targets to revive shoulder movement quickly and improve quality of life with smooth function.