If you have afrozen shoulder, then you understand how frustrating the pain and limited mobility in your shoulder and arm can be. It may seem almost impossible to accomplish simple tasks like dressing and bathing. A frozen shoulder seems to come from nowhere. Often there is little or no injury, and there are really no specificshoulder teststo determine if you have a frozen shoulder. The sign of a frozen shoulder is easy to spot: limited, painfulrange of motion (ROM)in your shoulder.If you do have a frozen shoulder, a visit to your physical therapist may be beneficial to help you regain normal functional use of your arm. Your PT can help you manage the pain and provide you with strategies to help you start using your arm normally again.Here is a list of some simple things you should do if you are suffering from frozen shoulder. Check in with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise for your shoulder, just to be sure that it is safe for you to proceed.1Stop Wearing a SlingTerry Vine / Getty ImagesWhen you haveshoulder pain, you may be tempted to​ wear a sling to help keep your arm in a pain-free zone.Wearing a slingwith a frozen shoulder is not recommended as this will only serve to continue limiting the ROM in your shoulder joint.If you are wearing a sling because of shoulder surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before removing it, but in general, a sling should not be worn if you have a frozen shoulder.2Start Using Your ArmCultura RM / Matelly / Getty ImagesWhen you have a frozen shoulder, using your arm may cause pain.Reaching up, out to the side, or behind your back may be difficult and you may want to stop using your arm.But the pain with a frozen shoulder is usually very temporary. As soon as you stop using your arm, the pain subsides within minutes. If you need to, you can help calm the painful symptoms down with an ice pack.​​​Often with a frozen shoulder, there is no danger in using your arm. In fact, using your arm and shoulder can help get it moving normally again. Just remember that the pain will last only a few minutes once you rest your arm after use.Limiting the use of your arm typically leads to worsening of your condition if you have a frozen shoulder.3Start Working on Range of MotionDNY59 / Getty ImagesOne of the best treatments for your frozen shoulder is working on ROM exercises. Yourphysical therapistcan prescribe exercises for both passive andactive ROM in your shoulder.Abnormal motion in your shoulder blade usually accompanies a frozen shoulder. Performingshoulder blade stability exercisesas part of your frozen shoulder rehab may help you regain shoulder blade control.Shoulder pulleysare often used in physical therapy clinics to help improve shoulder ROM. Pulley exercises can be done in the clinic, but they can also be done if you purchase shoulder pulleys ormake your ownout of simple items available at your local hardware store.4Work on Rotator Cuff StrengtheningThomas_EyeDesign / Getty ImagesThe rotator cuff is agroup of four musclesthat surround and support your shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you most likely are not moving your shoulder properly.Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help you improve the way your shoulder moves.A strong rotator cuff can help support your shoulder and allow it to move properly through its full range of motion. You should start with simple active range of motion exercises and progress to more advancedrotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band.5Work on Scapular MobilityMikolette / Getty ImagesYour shoulder is a complex joint consisting of your shoulder blade, collarbone, and glenohumeral joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may notice that you excessively move your shoulder blade, or scapula, when you try to lift your arm up or out to the side.One important component of frozen shoulder rehabilitation is normalizing motion in your scapula. To do this, you can start scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support your scapula and improve the way that your shoulder blade, and entire shoulder joint, moves.6Stop Searching for Magical CuresBSIP / UIG / Getty ImagesA quick search on the internet promises to reveal many websites and shoulder specialists who offer a one-stop shop for magical frozen shoulder cures. Most likely, these sites and specialists are selling what amounts tosnake oiltreatments for your shoulder.Most studies indicate that a frozen shoulder can last from a few weeks to almost 2 years.Even when you have completed physical therapy and have gained normal use of your arm, you may notice a tight feeling in your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead. This is normal and should clear up in time with continued shoulder ROM exercises.If you have a frozen shoulder, visit your healthcare provider to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. A course of physical therapy can certainly help you manage the pain and improve your shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal activities.​

If you have afrozen shoulder, then you understand how frustrating the pain and limited mobility in your shoulder and arm can be. It may seem almost impossible to accomplish simple tasks like dressing and bathing. A frozen shoulder seems to come from nowhere. Often there is little or no injury, and there are really no specificshoulder teststo determine if you have a frozen shoulder. The sign of a frozen shoulder is easy to spot: limited, painfulrange of motion (ROM)in your shoulder.If you do have a frozen shoulder, a visit to your physical therapist may be beneficial to help you regain normal functional use of your arm. Your PT can help you manage the pain and provide you with strategies to help you start using your arm normally again.Here is a list of some simple things you should do if you are suffering from frozen shoulder. Check in with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise for your shoulder, just to be sure that it is safe for you to proceed.

If you have afrozen shoulder, then you understand how frustrating the pain and limited mobility in your shoulder and arm can be. It may seem almost impossible to accomplish simple tasks like dressing and bathing. A frozen shoulder seems to come from nowhere. Often there is little or no injury, and there are really no specificshoulder teststo determine if you have a frozen shoulder. The sign of a frozen shoulder is easy to spot: limited, painfulrange of motion (ROM)in your shoulder.

If you do have a frozen shoulder, a visit to your physical therapist may be beneficial to help you regain normal functional use of your arm. Your PT can help you manage the pain and provide you with strategies to help you start using your arm normally again.

Here is a list of some simple things you should do if you are suffering from frozen shoulder. Check in with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise for your shoulder, just to be sure that it is safe for you to proceed.

1Stop Wearing a SlingTerry Vine / Getty ImagesWhen you haveshoulder pain, you may be tempted to​ wear a sling to help keep your arm in a pain-free zone.Wearing a slingwith a frozen shoulder is not recommended as this will only serve to continue limiting the ROM in your shoulder joint.If you are wearing a sling because of shoulder surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before removing it, but in general, a sling should not be worn if you have a frozen shoulder.2Start Using Your ArmCultura RM / Matelly / Getty ImagesWhen you have a frozen shoulder, using your arm may cause pain.Reaching up, out to the side, or behind your back may be difficult and you may want to stop using your arm.But the pain with a frozen shoulder is usually very temporary. As soon as you stop using your arm, the pain subsides within minutes. If you need to, you can help calm the painful symptoms down with an ice pack.​​​Often with a frozen shoulder, there is no danger in using your arm. In fact, using your arm and shoulder can help get it moving normally again. Just remember that the pain will last only a few minutes once you rest your arm after use.Limiting the use of your arm typically leads to worsening of your condition if you have a frozen shoulder.3Start Working on Range of MotionDNY59 / Getty ImagesOne of the best treatments for your frozen shoulder is working on ROM exercises. Yourphysical therapistcan prescribe exercises for both passive andactive ROM in your shoulder.Abnormal motion in your shoulder blade usually accompanies a frozen shoulder. Performingshoulder blade stability exercisesas part of your frozen shoulder rehab may help you regain shoulder blade control.Shoulder pulleysare often used in physical therapy clinics to help improve shoulder ROM. Pulley exercises can be done in the clinic, but they can also be done if you purchase shoulder pulleys ormake your ownout of simple items available at your local hardware store.4Work on Rotator Cuff StrengtheningThomas_EyeDesign / Getty ImagesThe rotator cuff is agroup of four musclesthat surround and support your shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you most likely are not moving your shoulder properly.Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help you improve the way your shoulder moves.A strong rotator cuff can help support your shoulder and allow it to move properly through its full range of motion. You should start with simple active range of motion exercises and progress to more advancedrotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band.5Work on Scapular MobilityMikolette / Getty ImagesYour shoulder is a complex joint consisting of your shoulder blade, collarbone, and glenohumeral joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may notice that you excessively move your shoulder blade, or scapula, when you try to lift your arm up or out to the side.One important component of frozen shoulder rehabilitation is normalizing motion in your scapula. To do this, you can start scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support your scapula and improve the way that your shoulder blade, and entire shoulder joint, moves.6Stop Searching for Magical CuresBSIP / UIG / Getty ImagesA quick search on the internet promises to reveal many websites and shoulder specialists who offer a one-stop shop for magical frozen shoulder cures. Most likely, these sites and specialists are selling what amounts tosnake oiltreatments for your shoulder.Most studies indicate that a frozen shoulder can last from a few weeks to almost 2 years.Even when you have completed physical therapy and have gained normal use of your arm, you may notice a tight feeling in your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead. This is normal and should clear up in time with continued shoulder ROM exercises.If you have a frozen shoulder, visit your healthcare provider to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. A course of physical therapy can certainly help you manage the pain and improve your shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal activities.​

1Stop Wearing a SlingTerry Vine / Getty ImagesWhen you haveshoulder pain, you may be tempted to​ wear a sling to help keep your arm in a pain-free zone.Wearing a slingwith a frozen shoulder is not recommended as this will only serve to continue limiting the ROM in your shoulder joint.If you are wearing a sling because of shoulder surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before removing it, but in general, a sling should not be worn if you have a frozen shoulder.

1

Stop Wearing a SlingTerry Vine / Getty ImagesWhen you haveshoulder pain, you may be tempted to​ wear a sling to help keep your arm in a pain-free zone.Wearing a slingwith a frozen shoulder is not recommended as this will only serve to continue limiting the ROM in your shoulder joint.If you are wearing a sling because of shoulder surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before removing it, but in general, a sling should not be worn if you have a frozen shoulder.

Stop Wearing a Sling

Terry Vine / Getty Images

doctor helping a girl in a sling.

When you haveshoulder pain, you may be tempted to​ wear a sling to help keep your arm in a pain-free zone.Wearing a slingwith a frozen shoulder is not recommended as this will only serve to continue limiting the ROM in your shoulder joint.

If you are wearing a sling because of shoulder surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before removing it, but in general, a sling should not be worn if you have a frozen shoulder.

2Start Using Your ArmCultura RM / Matelly / Getty ImagesWhen you have a frozen shoulder, using your arm may cause pain.Reaching up, out to the side, or behind your back may be difficult and you may want to stop using your arm.But the pain with a frozen shoulder is usually very temporary. As soon as you stop using your arm, the pain subsides within minutes. If you need to, you can help calm the painful symptoms down with an ice pack.​​​Often with a frozen shoulder, there is no danger in using your arm. In fact, using your arm and shoulder can help get it moving normally again. Just remember that the pain will last only a few minutes once you rest your arm after use.Limiting the use of your arm typically leads to worsening of your condition if you have a frozen shoulder.

2

Start Using Your ArmCultura RM / Matelly / Getty ImagesWhen you have a frozen shoulder, using your arm may cause pain.Reaching up, out to the side, or behind your back may be difficult and you may want to stop using your arm.But the pain with a frozen shoulder is usually very temporary. As soon as you stop using your arm, the pain subsides within minutes. If you need to, you can help calm the painful symptoms down with an ice pack.​​​Often with a frozen shoulder, there is no danger in using your arm. In fact, using your arm and shoulder can help get it moving normally again. Just remember that the pain will last only a few minutes once you rest your arm after use.Limiting the use of your arm typically leads to worsening of your condition if you have a frozen shoulder.

Start Using Your Arm

Cultura RM / Matelly / Getty Images

woman gardening

When you have a frozen shoulder, using your arm may cause pain.Reaching up, out to the side, or behind your back may be difficult and you may want to stop using your arm.

But the pain with a frozen shoulder is usually very temporary. As soon as you stop using your arm, the pain subsides within minutes. If you need to, you can help calm the painful symptoms down with an ice pack.​​​

Often with a frozen shoulder, there is no danger in using your arm. In fact, using your arm and shoulder can help get it moving normally again. Just remember that the pain will last only a few minutes once you rest your arm after use.

Limiting the use of your arm typically leads to worsening of your condition if you have a frozen shoulder.

3Start Working on Range of MotionDNY59 / Getty ImagesOne of the best treatments for your frozen shoulder is working on ROM exercises. Yourphysical therapistcan prescribe exercises for both passive andactive ROM in your shoulder.Abnormal motion in your shoulder blade usually accompanies a frozen shoulder. Performingshoulder blade stability exercisesas part of your frozen shoulder rehab may help you regain shoulder blade control.Shoulder pulleysare often used in physical therapy clinics to help improve shoulder ROM. Pulley exercises can be done in the clinic, but they can also be done if you purchase shoulder pulleys ormake your ownout of simple items available at your local hardware store.

3

Start Working on Range of MotionDNY59 / Getty ImagesOne of the best treatments for your frozen shoulder is working on ROM exercises. Yourphysical therapistcan prescribe exercises for both passive andactive ROM in your shoulder.Abnormal motion in your shoulder blade usually accompanies a frozen shoulder. Performingshoulder blade stability exercisesas part of your frozen shoulder rehab may help you regain shoulder blade control.Shoulder pulleysare often used in physical therapy clinics to help improve shoulder ROM. Pulley exercises can be done in the clinic, but they can also be done if you purchase shoulder pulleys ormake your ownout of simple items available at your local hardware store.

Start Working on Range of Motion

DNY59 / Getty Images

Physical therapist performing shoulder exercises with a patient.

One of the best treatments for your frozen shoulder is working on ROM exercises. Yourphysical therapistcan prescribe exercises for both passive andactive ROM in your shoulder.

Abnormal motion in your shoulder blade usually accompanies a frozen shoulder. Performingshoulder blade stability exercisesas part of your frozen shoulder rehab may help you regain shoulder blade control.

Shoulder pulleysare often used in physical therapy clinics to help improve shoulder ROM. Pulley exercises can be done in the clinic, but they can also be done if you purchase shoulder pulleys ormake your ownout of simple items available at your local hardware store.

4Work on Rotator Cuff StrengtheningThomas_EyeDesign / Getty ImagesThe rotator cuff is agroup of four musclesthat surround and support your shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you most likely are not moving your shoulder properly.Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help you improve the way your shoulder moves.A strong rotator cuff can help support your shoulder and allow it to move properly through its full range of motion. You should start with simple active range of motion exercises and progress to more advancedrotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band.

4

Work on Rotator Cuff StrengtheningThomas_EyeDesign / Getty ImagesThe rotator cuff is agroup of four musclesthat surround and support your shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you most likely are not moving your shoulder properly.Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help you improve the way your shoulder moves.A strong rotator cuff can help support your shoulder and allow it to move properly through its full range of motion. You should start with simple active range of motion exercises and progress to more advancedrotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band.

Work on Rotator Cuff Strengthening

Thomas_EyeDesign / Getty Images

woman using a resistance band

The rotator cuff is agroup of four musclesthat surround and support your shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you most likely are not moving your shoulder properly.

Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help you improve the way your shoulder moves.A strong rotator cuff can help support your shoulder and allow it to move properly through its full range of motion. You should start with simple active range of motion exercises and progress to more advancedrotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band.

5Work on Scapular MobilityMikolette / Getty ImagesYour shoulder is a complex joint consisting of your shoulder blade, collarbone, and glenohumeral joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may notice that you excessively move your shoulder blade, or scapula, when you try to lift your arm up or out to the side.One important component of frozen shoulder rehabilitation is normalizing motion in your scapula. To do this, you can start scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support your scapula and improve the way that your shoulder blade, and entire shoulder joint, moves.

5

Work on Scapular MobilityMikolette / Getty ImagesYour shoulder is a complex joint consisting of your shoulder blade, collarbone, and glenohumeral joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may notice that you excessively move your shoulder blade, or scapula, when you try to lift your arm up or out to the side.One important component of frozen shoulder rehabilitation is normalizing motion in your scapula. To do this, you can start scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support your scapula and improve the way that your shoulder blade, and entire shoulder joint, moves.

Work on Scapular Mobility

Mikolette / Getty Images

physical therapist helping patient with shoulder

Your shoulder is a complex joint consisting of your shoulder blade, collarbone, and glenohumeral joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may notice that you excessively move your shoulder blade, or scapula, when you try to lift your arm up or out to the side.

One important component of frozen shoulder rehabilitation is normalizing motion in your scapula. To do this, you can start scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support your scapula and improve the way that your shoulder blade, and entire shoulder joint, moves.

6Stop Searching for Magical CuresBSIP / UIG / Getty ImagesA quick search on the internet promises to reveal many websites and shoulder specialists who offer a one-stop shop for magical frozen shoulder cures. Most likely, these sites and specialists are selling what amounts tosnake oiltreatments for your shoulder.Most studies indicate that a frozen shoulder can last from a few weeks to almost 2 years.Even when you have completed physical therapy and have gained normal use of your arm, you may notice a tight feeling in your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead. This is normal and should clear up in time with continued shoulder ROM exercises.If you have a frozen shoulder, visit your healthcare provider to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. A course of physical therapy can certainly help you manage the pain and improve your shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal activities.​

6

Stop Searching for Magical CuresBSIP / UIG / Getty ImagesA quick search on the internet promises to reveal many websites and shoulder specialists who offer a one-stop shop for magical frozen shoulder cures. Most likely, these sites and specialists are selling what amounts tosnake oiltreatments for your shoulder.Most studies indicate that a frozen shoulder can last from a few weeks to almost 2 years.Even when you have completed physical therapy and have gained normal use of your arm, you may notice a tight feeling in your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead. This is normal and should clear up in time with continued shoulder ROM exercises.If you have a frozen shoulder, visit your healthcare provider to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. A course of physical therapy can certainly help you manage the pain and improve your shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal activities.​

Stop Searching for Magical Cures

BSIP / UIG / Getty Images

Woman suffering from shoulder pain, France

A quick search on the internet promises to reveal many websites and shoulder specialists who offer a one-stop shop for magical frozen shoulder cures. Most likely, these sites and specialists are selling what amounts tosnake oiltreatments for your shoulder.

Most studies indicate that a frozen shoulder can last from a few weeks to almost 2 years.Even when you have completed physical therapy and have gained normal use of your arm, you may notice a tight feeling in your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead. This is normal and should clear up in time with continued shoulder ROM exercises.

If you have a frozen shoulder, visit your healthcare provider to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. A course of physical therapy can certainly help you manage the pain and improve your shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal activities.​

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Frozen Shoulder.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises.Chan HBY, Pua PY, How CH.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(12):685–689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107Chan Y, Pua PY, Manip M, How H.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J2017; 58(12): 685-689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Frozen Shoulder.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises.Chan HBY, Pua PY, How CH.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(12):685–689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107Chan Y, Pua PY, Manip M, How H.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J2017; 58(12): 685-689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Frozen Shoulder.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises.Chan HBY, Pua PY, How CH.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(12):685–689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107Chan Y, Pua PY, Manip M, How H.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J2017; 58(12): 685-689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Frozen Shoulder.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises.

Chan HBY, Pua PY, How CH.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J. 2017;58(12):685–689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107

Chan Y, Pua PY, Manip M, How H.Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder.Singapore Med J2017; 58(12): 685-689. doi:10.11622/smedj.2017107

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