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Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation
Frozen shoulder rehab and exercises will vary depending on whether it is in the painful freezing phase, the stiff frozen phase or the final phase where the joint loosens up.
The following frozen shoulder treatment and rehab guidelines below are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any frozen shoulder rehab. The frozen shoulder exercises and other treatment methods are dependent on which phase of rehabilitation the patient is at.
Phase 1 - Freezing
This phase is usually the most painful phase of frozen shoulder treatment and movement becomes gradually more and more difficult. The aim of the following treatments and exercises is to help control pain and maintain movement in the shoulder joint.
- NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) e.g. Ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and pain although will be of less value in later phases of treatment. Check with a doctor before taking medication and do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma.
- Electrotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, TENS and laser treatment may all help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Shoulder exercises should be done as long as they can be performed pain free. Mobility exercises such as the pendulum and assisted shoulder exercises using a pole can help maintain shoulder mobility. See frozen shoulder exercises for more detailed information.
- Shoulder stretching exercises for the muscles at the front and back of the shoulder can be done also to attempt to maintain as much movement as possible. Strengthening exercises are unlikely to be possible at this stage due to pain.
Phase 2 - Frozen
During the frozen phase of frozen shoulder treatment is where there is least movement in the shoulder, but on the plus side pain tends to have reduced. This phase should be about trying to maintain strength and as much mobility as possible.
- Mobility exercises such as pendulums and wand exercises should be continued.
- Frozen shoulder stretching exercises for the chest muscles and muscles at the back of the shoulder should also be maintained.
- Strengthening exercises for frozen shoulder can be performed to maintain muscle strength. Isometric or static contractions are exercises needing no joint movement and can be done without worrying about movement in the shoulder.
- Try to maintain good posture by working the upper back muscles. Poor posture could be a contributing factor in frozen shoulder helping to cause it or prevent healing.
- A therapist may be able to help by performing some more advanced mobilizations on the shoulder to increase the range of movement at the shoulder joint. This is especially beneficial to patients who have very limited movement in the shoulder.
Phase 3 - Thawing
The final phase of frozen shoulder treatment and rehab is where movement starts to return to the shoulder. This phase is all about getting the shoulder back to normal as quickly as possible by regaining full movement and strength. After a few months with little movement, the shoulder will be considerably weakened so strengthening exercises are important.
- Mobility exercises and stretches can become more aggressive, but should still be within the boundaries of pain. Aim to restore full mobility in the shoulder joint.
- Strengthening exercises can progress from isometric or static contractions, to exercises using a resistance band, then eventually free weights or weight machines.
- Work the affected shoulder first, do as many reps as you can and then do the same number on the unaffected shoulder. This will help avoid a muscle imbalance.
- Include rotator cuff exercises in frozen shoulder treatment as well as posture exercises and exercises for the deltoid and chest muscles too. The shoulder joint is a complicated joint and correct biomechanical function between the shoulder joint and shoulder blade is important as other shoulder injuries may follow if the joint is not fully rehabilitated.
