Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes progressive stiffness and pain that severely limits arm movement. We guide you through each phase — freezing, frozen and thawing — with hands-on mobilisation and targeted exercises to restore movement at our Marple clinic.
Understanding Your Condition
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a specific condition in which the capsule around your shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight. It develops in three phases — freezing, frozen and thawing — and can last many months, severely restricting your arm movement and causing often intense pain, particularly at night.
It's a frustrating condition, but the right physiotherapy makes a real difference. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we guide you through each phase with hands-on mobilisation, targeted exercises and realistic advice, helping you maintain and restore movement and manage the pain while the condition runs its course.
What You Feel
- Progressive loss of shoulder movement in all directions
- Pain that's often severe, particularly at night
- Inability to reach overhead, behind your back or out to the side
- Stiffness that makes dressing, washing and sleeping difficult
- Pain at the outer upper arm, often worse than the joint itself
- Movement that feels 'blocked' rather than weak
- Symptoms developing gradually over weeks to months
- Eventual slow improvement as the shoulder 'thaws'
Common Causes
- Inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule
- Sometimes following shoulder injury or immobilisation
- More common in people with diabetes and thyroid conditions
- Can develop after surgery or a period of reduced movement
- Hormonal factors, particularly around middle age
- Often idiopathic — appearing without a clear cause
- More common between the ages of 40 and 60
- Slightly more common in women than men
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Frozen shoulder typically affects adults between 40 and 60, and is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions. We help people at every stage — from the painful early 'freezing' phase through to the stiffness of the 'frozen' phase and the gradual improvement of the 'thawing' phase.
If your shoulder has become progressively stiffer and more painful, especially disturbing your sleep, and you can't reach or rotate your arm normally, you may have a frozen shoulder. Early, appropriate physiotherapy helps manage pain and maintain movement through each phase.
Struggling with Frozen Shoulder?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms whether you have a true frozen shoulder rather than another cause of stiffness such as arthritis or a rotator cuff problem. We assess your movement in all directions — frozen shoulder characteristically restricts rotation and limits every movement — and review your medical history for associated conditions.
An accurate diagnosis matters because the treatment for frozen shoulder is quite different from other shoulder problems. We'll explain which phase you're in, what to expect, and how we'll help you through it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm frozen shoulder and identify the phase
- Hands-on joint mobilisation to gently restore capsule mobility
- Pain management strategies through the painful freezing phase
- Targeted stretching and movement exercises matched to each phase
- Advice on sleeping, daily activities and pain management
- Progressive strengthening as movement returns
Expected Recovery
Frozen shoulder is a long condition — typically 1–3 years from start to finish, though physiotherapy can significantly shorten this and ease the journey. The painful 'freezing' phase often lasts 2–9 months, the 'frozen' stiffness phase 4–12 months, and the 'thawing' recovery phase 6–12 months.
Treatment aims to manage your pain, maintain and restore as much movement as possible, and prevent the muscle weakness that comes with disuse. With the right approach, most people regain good, functional shoulder movement — we'll give you realistic expectations and consistent support throughout.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional
Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Frozen Shoulder Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Phase-Matched Care
Frozen shoulder has distinct phases, each needing a different approach. We match your treatment to the phase you're in — gentle in freezing, progressive in thawing.
Honest, Reassuring Guidance
It's a long condition. We give you realistic expectations and steady support throughout, so you understand what's happening and aren't disheartened by the timeline.
Hands-On Mobilisation
Gentle joint mobilisation helps maintain and restore capsule mobility through each phase, alongside targeted exercises — never aggressive forcing.
Pain Management Focus
The freezing phase can be intensely painful. We focus on easing that pain with hands-on treatment and practical advice, especially for sleep.
Prevent Muscle Wasting
Stiff shoulders lose strength. We build in strengthening work as movement returns, so you regain full function rather than just movement.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when your shoulder makes everyday tasks a challenge.
Related Conditions We Treat
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping and sport. We assess the exact cause — from tendon problems to stiffness — and rebuild comfortable, confident movement with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Rotator Cuff Pain
Rotator cuff pain comes from the group of muscles and tendons that stabilise and move your shoulder. We settle the irritation and rebuild the tendon's strength with a progressive loading programme, easing pain and restoring confident movement.
Learn MoreShoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is the painful pinching of tendons and the bursa when you lift your arm. We ease the irritation and correct the mechanics causing it, restoring smooth, pain-free overhead movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreOsteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes joint stiffness, aching and reduced movement. We ease the stiffness and strengthen the muscles supporting your joints, helping you stay active and comfortable for as long as possible at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services
Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is the hands-on heart of physiotherapy — skilled joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and manipulation that reduces pain, restores movement and helps your body move freely again, delivered by experienced physiotherapists in Marple.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.