Treating Frozen Shoulder: Preparing for Your Exercises

Doing special exercises is the first way to treat frozen shoulder. You may see a physical therapist who can help you learn to do them. If these exercises don’t help, you may need more medical treatment.

Shoulder stretches

Doing stretches is often the best way to treat frozen shoulder. Stretching each day can help lessen the pain and restore shoulder flexibility. But it often takes a lot of time before you notice results. Try to be patient.

To warm up, do the “pendulum.” While standing, let the hand on your frozen side dangle freely as you hold the back of a chair or a tabletop with your other hand. Slowly make circles and side-to-side motions with the frozen arm.

Physical therapy

Your healthcare provider may refer you to physical therapy. This hands-on care helps you learn how to do stretching exercises at home. A physical therapist may also work on restoring your shoulder flexibility. To do this, they may gently stretch and move your frozen shoulder.

Tips for shoulder stretches

• Anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid injections can help relieve pain. This may help you do your stretches. Your healthcare provider can tell you more.

• Heat may help loosen your shoulder. Ask your provider if you should use heat.

• A cold or ice pack can limit pain and swelling. Try icing your shoulder for a few minutes after you do your stretches. Wrap the cold or ice pack in a thin cloth to protect your skin.