What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes severe stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement significantly.
It typically develops in three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. In addition, the condition can last from one to three years without treatment.
Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?
Risk Factors
In addition, Frozen shoulder is most common in people aged 40 to 60. Women are slightly more affected than men.
Moreover, people with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or previous shoulder injuries face a higher risk. Prolonged immobility after surgery or injury is another common trigger.
Symptoms to Recognise
The main symptom is a gradual, progressive loss of shoulder movement. Raising your arm, reaching behind your back, or putting on a coat becomes painful.
Furthermore, night pain is characteristic of frozen shoulder. Sleeping on the affected side becomes nearly impossible during the frozen phase.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
At AlterPhysio Amsterdam, we treat frozen shoulder without surgery in most cases. Our approach targets pain relief, mobility restoration, and long-term function.
Joint Mobilisation
Hands-on joint mobilisation techniques gently stretch the tightened capsule. This restores range of motion progressively and safely.
Additionally, we use soft tissue techniques to release surrounding muscle tension. Patients typically regain significant movement within six to eight weeks.
Guided Home Exercises
We teach you specific daily exercises to maintain and improve mobility. Consistency with home exercises is the key to faster recovery.
Therefore, your treatment continues between clinic sessions. We monitor your progress and adjust the programme regularly.
Pain Management Strategies
As a result, We advise on positioning, heat therapy, and activity modification. These strategies help you manage pain during the most intense phase.
Can Acupuncture Help Frozen Shoulder?
Yes, acupuncture is an effective complementary treatment for frozen shoulder. It reduces inflammation, relaxes the shoulder muscles, and improves local circulation.
Notably, acupuncture provides significant pain relief during the freezing phase. This allows physiotherapy exercises to be performed with less discomfort.
Start Your Recovery at AlterPhysio Amsterdam
Equally important, Early treatment gives you the best chance of a full and fast recovery. Contact our Amsterdam clinic today for expert frozen shoulder treatment.
nWritten by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
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Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.



