If you’re searching for frozen shoulder treatment in Arvada, you’re probably dealing with two frustrating things at the same time: pain and the feeling that your shoulder just won’t move—no matter how much you “stretch it out.” Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is real, common, and (unfortunately) often slow-moving—but the right plan can make it more manageable and help you regain motion over time.
This guide breaks down why frozen shoulder happens, what to expect in each stage, and exactly what manual therapy can—and can’t—do as part of a smart recovery plan.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder capsule (the connective tissue around the ball-and-socket joint) becomes thickened, stiff, and tight, limiting motion and causing pain. It often comes on gradually and can make everyday tasks—like reaching a seatbelt, washing your hair, or putting on a coat—feel impossible.
A key “tell” clinicians look for: both active and passive range of motion are limited (meaning it’s restricted even when someone else tries to move your arm for you).
Why it happens (and who’s more likely to get it)
The exact cause isn’t always clear, but research and clinical guidance consistently point to a few major contributors:
- Immobility or reduced movement after surgery, fracture, or other injury can raise risk.
- Metabolic/endocrine factors: frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes and thyroid disease.
- Age/sex trends: it’s more common in adults roughly 40–60+ and tends to affect women more often. Has been correlated with hormonal shifts during menopause.
Sometimes it seems to come out of nowhere (“primary” adhesive capsulitis). Other times it follows a known trigger like immobilization (“secondary”).
The 3 stages (and how long it can last)
Frozen shoulder usually moves through stages—each with different priorities for care:
Stage 1: “Freezing”
Pain increases and motion gradually decreases. This stage can last ~6 weeks to 9 months.
Stage 2: “Frozen”
Pain may improve, but stiffness remains, and daily activities can be very difficult. Often ~4 to 6 months.
Stage 3: “Thawing”
Motion slowly returns. This stage may last ~6 months to 2 years—and full recovery can take up to ~3 years for some people.
That timeline is why the best “hack” is usually not a single technique—it’s matching the right intervention to the stage and irritability level.
How frozen shoulder is diagnosed (and what it’s NOT)
Diagnosis is usually based on history + exam—especially the pattern of global stiffness with both active and passive limitation.
Imaging (X-ray/MRI/ultrasound) may be used to rule out other issues (like arthritis or a rotator cuff tear), but MRI/ultrasound typically aren’t required to confirm frozen shoulder itself.
Frozen shoulder treatment in Arvada: the realistic roadmap
Most cases improve without surgery, but it takes consistency and the right “dose” of stress on the joint capsule.
Common options include:
- Mobility + stretching work (supervised + home program) is a cornerstone of care.
- NSAIDs may reduce pain/swelling for some people.
- Corticosteroid injections can help—especially earlier on. Clinical guidance notes that injections combined with mobility/stretching can improve short-term pain/function compared with exercise alone.
- Hydrodilatation (distension) may be recommended when symptoms aren’t relieved by other nonsurgical options.
- If conservative care fails, some patients consider manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release.
What manual therapy can do for frozen shoulder
Manual therapy isn’t magic—but it can be a very useful part of a well-timed plan.
1) Reduce pain enough to help you move again
When symptoms are more irritable, care often emphasizes pain relief and gentle motion first—because forcing aggressive stretching too early can backfire.
2) Improve shoulder motion (especially when paired with the right exercises)
Clinical practice guidelines support the use of glenohumeral joint mobilization to help reduce pain and improve motion/function in adhesive capsulitis.
3) Match intensity to your “irritability” level
One of the biggest wins in real life is not doing “more,” but doing the right amount:
- High irritability → gentle manual therapy + activity modification
- Moderate irritability → progressive manual therapy + mild stretching
- Low irritability → stretching + manual therapy + strengthening/resisted work
A good manual therapist will treat the shoulder and the surrounding contributors (upper back mobility, shoulder blade mechanics, soft-tissue guarding)—then build a home plan you can actually follow.
What manual therapy can’t do (and red flags to avoid)
Manual therapy can’t:
- Instantly “break adhesions” safely with one aggressive session. Frozen shoulder is typically a staged process, and overly forceful stretching can increase pain and guarding. (A plan that respects irritability is recommended.)
- Replace medical evaluation when symptoms don’t fit frozen shoulder—or if you’re not improving over time. Guidelines explicitly note considering other diagnoses when presentation doesn’t match or symptoms aren’t resolving.
- Do the job of an injection or procedure when those are clinically appropriate (for example, certain cases where conservative care fails and other options are considered).
- Fix underlying contributors like uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid problems on its own—these can influence risk and recovery.
5 at-home moves that usually help (without starting a fight)
These are common “starter” movements—keep them gentle, and stop if pain spikes or lingers afterward.
- Pendulum swings (small circles, relaxed shoulder)
- Table slides (forward reach on a table; slow return)
- Doorway external rotation stretch (light stretch, not sharp pain)
- Supine forward flexion assist (use the other arm to help lift)
- Heat before mobility (often used to help loosen up prior to stretching)
AAOS specifically notes that exercise selection and dosage should be guided by your treating clinician.
When to get checked sooner (not later)
Seek medical care promptly if you have:
- A major fall/trauma
- Fever, redness, or warmth around the joint
- Numbness/tingling down the arm
- Sudden weakness (can’t lift the arm at all)
- Pain that’s rapidly worsening or not responding to conservative steps
Local next step (Arvada)
If you’re in Arvada, Colorado and think you have frozen shoulder, a helpful first appointment usually focuses on:
- confirming whether it looks like adhesive capsulitis vs. another shoulder issue,
- checking irritability level,
- building a plan that combines manual therapy + the right home mobility work—without overdoing it.
Educational content only; not a substitute for medical diagnosis or individualized treatment.
FAQ: Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Arvada
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder often lasts between 1 and 3 years overall, progressing through different stages with gradual improvement over time.
Does manual therapy work for frozen shoulder?
Manual therapy can help reduce pain and improve shoulder motion, especially when combined with a staged mobility and stretching plan that matches symptom irritability.
Should I push through the pain to regain motion faster?
Usually no. Treatment plans that adjust stretching intensity to pain and stiffness tend to be more effective. More aggressive stretching is not always better.
Are injections better than therapy?
In some cases, intra-articular corticosteroid injections combined with mobility and stretching exercises can provide better short-term relief than exercise alone.
What if I’m not improving with conservative care?
If symptoms do not improve, other options may be discussed depending on the stage and response to treatment, such as hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, or arthroscopic procedures.
Can frozen shoulder come back?
It is uncommon for frozen shoulder to recur in the same shoulder, but it can sometimes develop in the opposite shoulder.
