Frozen Shoulder Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis: gentle stretching, hands-on care, and a home program to help you get your shoulder moving again. We serve Hempstead and Nassau County.
Call (516) 307-9166 or book an appointment online to get started.
What Is Adhesive Capsulitis?
Frozen shoulder, called adhesive capsulitis by doctors, happens when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. The shoulder gets painful and then hard to move. It usually gets better over time, but full recovery can take up to three years.
Physical therapy for frozen shoulder focuses on range-of-motion exercise and stretching, hands-on care such as joint mobilization and soft-tissue work, and a home program matched to your stage. While the shoulder is still painful, stretching stays gentle, because pushing too hard can make the pain worse. Physical therapy can be used on its own or alongside care from your doctor, such as an injection. Frozen shoulder is part of the shoulder care we provide through orthopedic physical therapy, and our guide to shoulder pain covers shoulder problems more generally.
Who Can Frozen Shoulder Physical Therapy Help?
Adults with a painful, stiff shoulder that has slowly lost motion, including:
- Frozen shoulder that started on its own, with no clear injury
- Stiffness after the arm was kept still following surgery, a fracture, or another injury
- People with diabetes or a thyroid condition, who are more likely to develop frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is most common between ages 40 and 60 and happens more often in women than in men.
Start Your Recovery Today
Call 516-307-9166 or request an appointment online. We’ll talk through what’s going on and whether physical therapy is the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder and Adhesive Capsulitis
Do I need a prescription for frozen shoulder physical therapy?
No, you don't need a prescription for frozen shoulder physical therapy in New York State. New York State lets you start with a physical therapist directly for up to 10 visits or 30 days. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor's sign-off to pay, so check with your plan.
Is frozen shoulder the same as adhesive capsulitis?
Yes. Adhesive capsulitis is the medical name for frozen shoulder. Both describe a shoulder joint capsule that has become thick, stiff, and inflamed.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It usually moves through three stages. In the "freezing" stage, pain slowly builds and motion is lost; this can last from 6 weeks to 9 months. In the "frozen" stage, the shoulder is stiff. In the "thawing" stage, motion slowly comes back, which can take 6 months to 2 years. Full recovery can take up to three years, and your plan changes as you move through the stages.
What happens at the first visit?
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes; the time depends on your condition. What we find determines your plan, and we go through it with you before you go.
Is frozen shoulder linked to menopause?
Frozen shoulder is most common between ages 40 and 60 and happens more often in women, so it often shows up in the years around menopause. Whether hormone changes play a direct role is still being studied. If you are also noticing bladder or pelvic changes in these years, see our page on pelvic floor therapy for perimenopause and post-menopause.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by carrier and by plan. Call us at (516) 307-9166 and we will help you check your specific benefits before you commit to anything.
When should I see a doctor or call 911 instead?
Call 911 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, or nausea; these can be signs of a heart attack. See a doctor promptly if your shoulder hurts after a fall or injury and you can't lift your arm, or if the joint is hot and swollen and you have a fever.