Physical therapy for frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes pain and dramatic loss of motion in the shoulder — but it's treatable, and PT is the cornerstone. A licensed physical therapist guides you through a structured plan to restore movement and resolve pain. All from home, covered by your insurance.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, formally called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the connective tissue around the shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes inflamed, thickens, and tightens — restricting movement and causing pain. It typically progresses through three phases: a freezing phase (worsening pain, gradual stiffness), a frozen phase (less pain but severe stiffness), and a thawing phase (gradual return of motion). The whole process can last 1–3 years untreated, but PT can significantly speed recovery and reduce pain.
Common symptoms
- Deep, dull, aching pain in the outer shoulder
- Pain that's worse at night and disrupts sleep
- Severely limited shoulder motion in all directions
- Difficulty reaching overhead, behind your back, or out to the side
- Trouble doing everyday tasks (reaching for a seatbelt, putting on a coat, washing your hair)
- Pain with sudden movements or being bumped
- Stiffness that doesn't loosen up with movement
- Symptoms that develop gradually over weeks or months
What causes frozen shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn't always clear. It often develops without an obvious trigger, but is more common after a period of immobilization (after injury, surgery, or even just shoulder pain that limited use). Risk factors include diabetes (significantly higher risk), thyroid disorders, age 40–60, female sex, and previous shoulder injury or surgery. Diabetes is the strongest known association — frozen shoulder occurs in up to 20% of people with diabetes.
How physical therapy helps with frozen shoulder
Evaluation. Your first visit is an evaluation over video. Your PT measures your range of motion in all directions, identifies which phase of frozen shoulder you're in, screens for other shoulder issues, and asks about your medical history (especially diabetes or thyroid issues, which affect treatment expectations).
Treatment. Treatment is phase-specific. In the painful freezing phase, the focus is gentle motion and pain management — pushing too hard makes it worse. In the frozen phase, more aggressive stretching and mobility work helps restore motion. In the thawing phase, strengthening rebuilds function. Throughout, you'll learn specific exercises to do daily at home — consistency matters more than intensity.
Ongoing support. Frozen shoulder recovery is slow and frustrating. Message your PT between visits when you're discouraged, when symptoms shift, or when you have questions about exercises. Steady incremental progress is the goal, and your PT will adjust the plan as your shoulder responds.
What to expect
Your first visit is about 60 minutes over video. Your PT measures your shoulder motion, identifies which phase you're in, screens for related issues, and starts you on phase-appropriate exercises. Recovery is measured in months, not weeks — most patients see meaningful improvement within 3–6 months of consistent PT, with continued gains for up to a year. The good news: frozen shoulder almost always resolves with the right approach, and PT shortens the timeline significantly.
Insurance accepted for frozen shoulder
Physical therapy for frozen shoulder is covered by most major insurance plans. You pay your normal copay — nothing extra for telehealth visits.
MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaAnthem Blue CrossCignaAetnaUnitedHealthcareHumanaTRICARE
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