Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Treatment Guide Frozen shoulder (also called Adhesive Capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff due to inflammation and tightening of the joint capsule. It commonly affects people aged 40–60 and is more common in diabetics. 🔹 Stages of Frozen Shoulder Freezing Stage (Painful Stage) Increasing pain Gradual loss of movement Frozen Stage (Stiff Stage) Pain may reduce Severe stiffness Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage) Gradual improvement in movement ✅ Treatment Options 1️⃣ Medications Pain relievers (Paracetamol) NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aceclofenac) Short-term muscle relaxants Helps reduce pain and inflammation. 2️⃣ Physiotherapy (Most Important Treatment) Shoulder stretching exercises Pendulum exercises Wall climbing exercises Heat therapy before exercise 👉 Regular physiotherapy is the key to recovery. 3️⃣ Steroid Injection Intra-articular corticosteroid injection Reduces inflammation and pain Useful in early painful stage Relief usually lasts weeks to months. 4️⃣ Hydrodilatation (Distension Therapy) Sterile fluid injected into joint Stretches the capsule Improves mobility 5️⃣ PRP Injection Platelet-Rich Plasma injection May help in selected cases 6️⃣ Surgery (Rare Cases) If no improvement after 6–9 months: Manipulation under anesthesia Arthroscopic capsular release ⏳ Recovery Time Usually takes 6 months to 18 months With proper treatment, most patients recover fully 🏠 Home Advice Avoid complete rest (gentle movement is important) Do daily stretching exercises Control diabetes if present Use warm compress before exercise