Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
“I can’t lift my arm or reach behind my back”
Frozen shoulder causes pain and a gradual loss of shoulder movement. It follows phases, and the right care helps you through them.
This guide is general education to help you understand your options. It is not a diagnosis — only an assessment by a qualified clinician can tell you what is causing your symptoms.
In plain words
In frozen shoulder, the lining of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then tight. It usually passes through a painful phase, a stiff phase and a recovery phase. Care focuses on managing pain early and restoring movement safely over time.
What you may notice
- Deep shoulder ache, often worse at night
- Progressive stiffness in all directions
- Difficulty dressing, combing hair or reaching behind
Common causes
- Often no clear cause
- More common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions
- Can follow a period of reduced arm use
What an assessment may include
- History of onset and phase
- Active and passive range-of-motion testing
- Screening to rule out other shoulder problems
Your care pathway
Pain management and gentle movement
Stage-appropriate stretching
Strengthening as movement returns
Functional retraining for daily tasks
Clinical detail
Management is phase-dependent; medical interventions may be considered alongside physiotherapy in the painful phase.
When to seek prompt medical help
- Shoulder pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating — seek emergency care
- Sudden inability to lift the arm after an injury
In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department. This website cannot provide emergency care.
How we can help
Questions patients ask
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It varies. Many people improve over months as it passes through its phases. Physiotherapy helps manage pain and restore movement.