Frozen shoulder — medically known as adhesive capsulitis — is one of the most painful and frustrating shoulder conditions. It typically lasts 1–3 years from onset to full recovery. Home physiotherapy with Hamoodi Othman across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, and Doncaster can shorten that timeline and make the journey much more manageable.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is an inflammatory condition of the joint capsule of the shoulder. The capsule becomes thickened, tight, and painful, dramatically reducing range of movement in all directions. It most commonly affects people aged 40–60, and is more common in women, in people with diabetes, and after a period of shoulder immobilisation (e.g. after a fracture or surgery).

The three classic stages

1. Freezing (painful) stage — 2–9 months

Pain dominates. Range of movement is reducing. Sleep is often disturbed because it's painful to lie on the affected side. Many people search for help during this stage.

2. Frozen (stiff) stage — 4–12 months

Pain often eases at rest, but stiffness becomes the main problem. Reaching overhead, putting on a coat, fastening a bra, or reaching the seatbelt becomes very difficult.

3. Thawing (recovery) stage — 5–24 months

Range of movement gradually returns. Most people regain functional movement, although some long-term mild stiffness can remain.

How home physiotherapy helps

Treatment is matched to the stage you are in:

  • Painful stage: Pain modulation, sleep advice, gentle pendulum exercises, education, and signposting to GP for analgesia or steroid injection if appropriate.
  • Stiff stage: Range of movement exercises (often the most important phase for physio), capsular stretches, scapular control, and graded loading.
  • Thawing stage: Strengthening, return to functional tasks, and rebuilding confidence with hobbies and work.

Injections and surgery

Some patients benefit from a corticosteroid injection (often guided by ultrasound) particularly in the painful stage — this can be discussed with a GP or musculoskeletal service. Hydrodilatation and surgical capsular release are options for resistant cases. Hamoodi can support your rehab before and after any of these procedures.

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Hamoodi Othman, Senior Physiotherapist in South Yorkshire

About Hamoodi Othman

Hamoodi Othman is a Senior Physiotherapist (HCPC PH1313) with NHS experience in MSK, orthopaedics, and trauma rehabilitation. He provides home physiotherapy across South Yorkshire for shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, post-operative recovery, and orthopaedic conditions.

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