Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Thirumullaivoyal (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Serving Thirumullaivoyal, Ambattur, Avadi, Annanur, and Iyyapakkam.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes a painful loss of shoulder movement that often feels worst at night. At OrthoCure Bone and Joint Speciality Clinic, Thirumullaivoyal, Dr Sumesh Subramanian provides a step wise plan that starts with simple guidance and exercise therapy, adds physiotherapy when useful, and considers injections only when needed.
Most patients recover without surgery when treatment matches the stage of the condition.
- Not always caused by injury
- Not something that needs immediate surgery
- Not a condition that improves with forceful stretching early
Commonly seen in patients from Thirumullaivoyal, Ambattur, Avadi, Annanur, and Iyyapakkam.
Common symptoms
- Night pain and disturbed sleep
- Pain when reaching behind your back or overhead
- Difficulty dressing, combing hair, or wearing a bra
- Stiffness that keeps increasing over weeks
- Pain that may reduce later, but stiffness remains
Simple home check
- Try reaching your hand behind your back towards the opposite shoulder blade
- Try lifting the arm sideways and turning the forearm outward with elbow near the body
- If both feel blocked and stiff rather than just painful, frozen shoulder is more likely
This is not a diagnosis. It helps you decide whether an assessment is worth doing early.
Why it happens
The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and then tight, which limits movement. In our practice, we often see this after minor strain or a period of reduced use, and it is more common in adults with diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Stage based plan we commonly use
Stage 1: Pain dominant
The main problem is pain, especially at night. The goal is pain control and gentle movement so the shoulder does not stiffen further.
Stage 2: Stiffness dominant
Pain may reduce but movement remains restricted. The goal is a consistent home exercise plan, targeted physiotherapy when needed, and gradual return of range.
Stage 3: Recovery phase
Movement slowly improves over months. The goal is to maintain progress and rebuild strength safely.
What we usually use in real life
- Activity modification and sleep positioning tips
- Gentle mobility exercises first, then stretching based on stage
- Physiotherapy when pain is high or progress is slow
- Injections only when clearly indicated and explained properly
- Strengthening after movement starts returning
What your visit usually includes
- Focused clinical examination to confirm capsular stiffness
- Checking for red flags and other shoulder causes
- X ray when indicated to rule out arthritis or other bony causes
- A practical home exercise plan you can actually follow
- Physiotherapy guidance when required
- Follow up plan with clear milestones
Clinic hours: Mon to Sat 5 pm to 9 pm. Sunday 11 am to 1 pm.
FAQs
Is frozen shoulder permanent?
Most people improve with time and the right plan. Recovery is usually gradual, and consistent home exercises are a major factor.
Do I always need physiotherapy?
Not always. Many patients improve with a clear home program. Physiotherapy helps when pain is high, stiffness is severe, or progress is slow.
Will I need an injection?
Not always. Injections are considered when pain is severe, sleep is affected, or movement is not improving despite guided exercise and physiotherapy.
Why do diabetes and thyroid problems matter?
These conditions are associated with a higher risk of persistent stiffness. It does not mean recovery is impossible, but it usually means you should start earlier and stay consistent.
Most frozen shoulder patients improve with consistency. The main goal is to reduce night pain, restore daily function, and avoid unnecessary scans or procedures.
Read the full guide
For causes, stages, home exercises, and expected recovery timeline, read our detailed patient friendly guide.