Frozen shoulder — clinically known as adhesive capsulitis — is one of the most debilitating and frustrating conditions we treat. Patients often come to us after months of worsening stiffness, having been told that surgery is inevitable or that they simply have to wait it out.
Neither is true. Here's what we actually do — and why it works.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and filled with scar tissue. The result is progressive stiffness and pain that can make it impossible to raise your arm above shoulder height, reach behind your back, or sleep comfortably.
It typically progresses through three stages: freezing (increasing pain), frozen (stiffness dominates), and thawing (gradual improvement). Without treatment, the full cycle can take 18 months to 3 years.
Our Approach
We don't wait for the thawing stage. Our approach combines manual joint mobilization, targeted myofascial release, and progressive stretching to break through the capsular restrictions and restore range of motion — regardless of which stage you're in.
Most of our frozen shoulder patients achieve full or near-full range of motion within 6–10 sessions. That's a fraction of the time it takes to resolve on its own.
Why Not Surgery?
Surgical release (manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release) carries real risks and requires its own rehabilitation period. For the vast majority of frozen shoulder patients, skilled manual therapy achieves the same outcome without the surgical risk.
If you've been told surgery is your only option, we'd strongly encourage a second opinion. Call us to schedule care.