Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) goes through three phases — and the right treatment differs for each.

Clinician assessing shoulder range of motion
Range-of-motion assessment guides which phase of frozen shoulder treatment is appropriate.

Phase 1: Freezing (2-9 months)

Pain dominates. Sleep is poor. Goal: control inflammation, preserve range with gentle motion. NSAIDs, intra-articular steroid, hydrodilatation.

Phase 2: Frozen (4-12 months)

Pain eases but stiffness peaks. Goal: restore range. Aggressive stretching under physiotherapist guidance.

Phase 3: Thawing (5-26 months)

Gradual return of motion. Goal: strengthen and re-functionalise the shoulder.

Don't accept 'just wait it out' — early intervention shortens the timeline.