Frozen Shoulder Physiotherapy near Yau Ma Tei

In frozen shoulder the capsule around the joint becomes inflamed and then tightens, so movement is limited in every direction — including when someone else moves the arm for you. It is commonly described in three overlapping phases: a painful freezing phase, a stiff phase where pain often eases, and a gradual thawing phase. Symptoms alone cannot diagnose it, because other shoulder problems restrict movement too; an in-person examination comparing active and assisted range is what distinguishes it.

Early on, pain usually dominates: sharp catches on sudden movement, and night pain that disturbs sleep. Later, pain often settles while stiffness becomes the main problem — reaching behind the back, fastening a seatbelt or a bra, or taking a wallet from a back pocket. Other possible causes deserve consideration: rotator cuff problems, joint surface changes, and referred neck pain can all restrict a shoulder, and diabetes is associated with a stiffer and longer course, so it is worth mentioning if it applies to you.

• Movement limited in every direction, including when someone else moves the arm
• Night pain that disturbs sleep, especially in the earlier phase
• Difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead
• Sharp catches with sudden or unguarded movements
• A long course measured in months rather than weeks

The key measurement is range of motion, both what you can do yourself and what the shoulder allows when supported — that comparison is what points towards a capsular pattern. We also grade how irritable the shoulder is, because a highly irritable shoulder needs a gentler approach than a stiff but settled one. We ask about sleep, dressing and work, and we screen your general health, including diabetes and thyroid conditions, which are relevant here.

• Your symptoms: pain versus stiffness balance, irritability and how long it has been going on
• Daily activities and function: dressing, washing hair, reaching behind, driving
• Work, study or caring demands, including overhead and repetitive tasks
• Sleep: night pain, which side you lie on, and how much rest you are losing
• Load and injury history: whether it began after an injury, immobilisation or surgery
• Movement: active and assisted range in every direction, especially rotation
• Strength and control of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade within available range
• Neurological and general screening: neck referral, sensation, muscle power, diabetes and thyroid history, medicines

In a painful, irritable shoulder the priority is comfort and gentle movement within tolerance, not forcing range. As irritability settles, range work can progress and strengthening is added. Depending on the assessment, hands-on treatment or acupuncture may be considered where you consent and they may ease movement; a steroid injection is a medical option some people discuss with their doctor in the painful phase. We use no fixed protocol, we respect your preferences, and we change the plan as you respond.

Little and often works better than one hard stretching session, and pushing into sharp pain tends to leave the shoulder more irritable for days. We set up short, frequent movement at a level you can repeat, practical workarounds for dressing and sleeping, and a flare-up plan for a bad night. Because this condition changes slowly, we review range measurements, night pain and function every few visits so progress is judged on numbers rather than impressions, and adjust activity and load from there.

A stiff, painful shoulder is normally suited to a physiotherapy assessment, with your doctor involved for pain relief or injection decisions. Arrange a prompt medical review if the shoulder becomes hot, swollen and you feel feverish, if the stiffness followed a significant injury rather than developing gradually, if you have unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer, or if night pain is severe and unrelieved by any position. Sudden shoulder or arm pain with chest tightness, sweating, nausea or breathlessness should be treated as a medical emergency: go to an emergency department without delay rather than assuming it is the shoulder.