General information only. Not a diagnosis, and not a substitute for an assessment.

What is it?

Frozen shoulder is when the shoulder becomes painful and very stiff. It can be hard to lift your arm, reach behind your back or get dressed.

It usually happens in 3 stages. First it is mainly painful. Then it is mainly stiff. Then it slowly loosens up again. This can take a long time, but it does get better.

Common causes

The tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thick, tight and sore
It is more common in people aged 40 to 60
It is more common in people with diabetes
It can happen after a shoulder injury or operation, or after keeping the arm still for a long time
Often there is no clear cause

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or you feel sweaty or sick — this could be a heart attack
you have very bad pain after a fall or injury, your shoulder has changed shape, or you cannot move your arm at all

Do not drive yourself to A&E. Ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

your shoulder is hot, red or swollen, or you have a high temperature or feel unwell
your pain is severe, or you suddenly cannot lift your arm
you have pins and needles that do not go away
your shoulder pain has not improved after 2 weeks of looking after it at home

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

How physio can help

Explaining the stages, so you know what to expect
Gentle exercises that match your stage, to keep as much movement as you can
Ways to make everyday tasks, such as dressing and sleeping, easier
Advising whether you should see your GP about other treatments

Everyone is different. We'll talk through what is likely to help you, and be honest if something else would suit you better.

What you can do at home

Keep using your arm gently for everyday tasks, within what feels OK.
Try a heat pack or a cold pack wrapped in a towel to ease pain.
Sleep with a pillow under your arm for support.
A pharmacist can give you advice about pain relief.

Stop anything that makes your pain much worse, and get advice if you're not sure. Don't stop taking any medicine you've been prescribed without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Treatments that may help

Initial assessment — 50 minutes, £65
Follow-up physiotherapy — 40 minutes, £55
Acupuncture and dry needling — 40 minutes, £55