Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Marple
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 is one of the most frustrating shoulder problems. It often starts as an ache with no obvious cause, then the shoulder slowly stiffens until you can't reach behind your back, do up a bra or get your arm into a coat. It's most common between 40 and 60, and more common in people with diabetes or thyroid problems. It does get better, and the right help at each stage makes it much easier to live with. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple we'll confirm the diagnosis, ease the pain and help you get your movement back. We see people from Marple, Stockport, Romiley, Hazel Grove, High Lane and Disley.
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
The Three Stages
Frozen shoulder usually goes through a painful "freezing" stage, then a stiff "frozen" stage where the pain eases, and finally a "thawing" stage where movement comes back. Treatment changes with each stage. Early on, pushing hard into stretches makes it worse, so we focus on pain relief and gentle movement. Later, we work more firmly on getting your range back.
Check with a Doctor If
Your shoulder pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness (call 999), the shoulder is hot and swollen and you feel unwell, or you have unexplained weight loss or night sweats. If you have diabetes, it's worth mentioning your shoulder to your GP too.
Struggling with a Stiff, Painful Shoulder?
Book your assessment today. We'll confirm the diagnosis and guide you through each stage of recovery.
Your First Appointment, How We Treat It and the Timeline
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. We'll check that it is frozen shoulder and not a rotator cuff problem or arthritis, which can look similar early on, and work out which stage you're in. Treatment includes pain relief advice, gentle hands-on mobilisation, a home exercise plan matched to your stage, and advice on sleeping and daily tasks. If pain is severe, we can talk to you about steroid injections, which can help in the early stage. Frozen shoulder often takes many months to fully resolve, sometimes one to two years, but most people get back most or all of their movement, and physio helps you function better along the way.
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.
Meet the Team
Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob Wood, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple
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Diana Satalova
Senior Physiotherapist
Meet Diana Satalova, a Senior Physiotherapist at Complete Recovery Physiotherapy
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Yannis Lai
Senior Physiotherapist
Meet Yannis Lai, Physiotherapist at Complete Recovery Physiotherapy
View ProfileFrozen 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.
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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.
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Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.