Frozen shoulder can make even simple daily activities extremely difficult. Raising your arm, wearing clothes, combing your hair, or sleeping comfortably often becomes painful and frustrating. Many patients describe it as if their shoulder is “locked” or stuck.
At Asia Digital Physiotherapy & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center (ADPORC), we regularly treat patients suffering from frozen shoulder using evidence-based physiotherapy aimed at gradually restoring shoulder movement, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain.
Under the clinical care of Dr. Saddam Hossain, PT, certified physiotherapist in Jatrabari, Dhaka, we design personalized frozen shoulder rehabilitation programs using manual therapy, advanced electrotherapy, and stage-specific mobility exercises tailored to each patient’s condition.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This leads to progressive pain and a significant reduction in shoulder movement in all directions.
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and progresses through three distinct stages:
- Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and gradual loss of movement
- Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce, but stiffness becomes severe and limited movement
- Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility
Without timely physiotherapy, frozen shoulder stiffness can persist for months or even years, significantly affecting daily life and independence.
Common Symptoms
Patients with frozen shoulder commonly experience:
- Shoulder pain that worsens at night
- Progressive stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty lifting arm or rotating shoulder
- Gradual onset, often without any clear injury
- Pain and difficulty during daily activities such as dressing, combing hair, or reaching overhead
Early physiotherapy plays a crucial role in preventing long-term stiffness and prolonged disability.
Causes and Risk Factors
Frozen shoulder often develops without a clear cause, but several factors increase the risk:
- Mainly idiopathic
- Common in patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders
- Previous shoulder injury or surgery
- Prolonged immobility (e.g., after fracture)
- Age between 40-60 years
- Sedentary lifestyle or poor posture
At ADPORC, Dr. Saddam Hossain, PT carefully evaluates each patient to identify contributing factors and designs a treatment plan aimed at optimal recovery.
Biomechanics Behind Frozen Shoulder
In frozen shoulder, the glenohumeral joint capsule becomes tight and adherent. This results in a characteristic pattern of movement restriction:
- External rotation is most limited
- Abduction becomes restricted
- Internal rotation is also reduced
This capsular tightness alters normal shoulder biomechanics, forcing surrounding muscles to compensate. Over time, this leads to muscle imbalance, pain, and further restriction of movement if left untreated.
How Physiotherapy Helps in Frozen Shoulder?
Physiotherapy is the most effective non-surgical treatment for frozen shoulder. At Asia Digital Physiotherapy & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center (ADPORC), treatment focuses on restoring movement safely and progressively, rather than forcing painful motion.
Our physiotherapy management includes:
- Manual joint mobilization and capsular stretching
- Advanced electrotherapy modalities such as TENS and ultrasound to reduce pain
- Passive and active shoulder ROM exercises
- Progressive strengthening of shoulder and scapular muscles
- Ergonomic advice to protect your joint
- Customized home exercise guidance for long-term improvement
- Patient education on symptom management and recurrence prevention
Treatment is always adjusted according to the stage of frozen shoulder, ensuring safe and effective recovery.
Home Exercises You Can Do
Some simple exercises to help improve shoulder mobility at home:
-
Pendulum Swings: Gently relax the shoulder and allow the arm to swing freely.
Benefit: Reduces stiffness and relaxes the joint. -
Towel Stretch: Use a towel behind the back to gently improve internal rotation.
Benefit: Enhances shoulder flexibility. -
Cross-Body Stretch: Gently pull the affected arm across the body.
Benefit: Stretches the posterior shoulder capsule.
Perform 10-15 repetitions twice a day. Always warm up gently before exercise, and consult your physical therapist before starting any new routine.
When to See a Physiotherapist (Visit ADPORC)?
You should consult a physiotherapist if:
- Shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks
- Night pain disrupts your sleep
- Shoulder stiffness continues to worsen
- Daily activities become increasingly difficult
Untreated frozen shoulder may lead to prolonged stiffness, muscle weakness, and long-term functional limitations. Early physiotherapy offers the best chance for faster recovery and restored shoulder function.
Why ADPORC is the Best Physiotherapy Center in Dhaka?
Expert Therapists and certified professionals specializing in physical therapy:
- Expert Care by Dr. Saddam Hossain, PT: Years of experience treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
- Advanced Equipment: Modern electrotherapy and rehab tools
- Personalized Attention: One-on-one therapy sessions
- Central Location: Conveniently located in Jatrabari, Dhaka
Book Your Frozen Shoulder Appointment Today!
Take the first step toward freedom from shoulder pain. Visit ADPORC in Jatrabari, Dhaka, for evidence-based physiotherapy care and advanced rehabilitation under Dr. Saddam Hossain
- Location: 270/1 Dholaipar, South Jatrabari, Dhaka-1204
- Call: 01950-935236
- Website: adporc.com
Asia Digital Physiotherapy & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center