Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder locks into pain and stiffness that builds over months and limits everyday reach. Physiotherapy guides the joint back to comfort and movement stage by stage.
Understanding frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder, known medically as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tightens. The tissue thickens and forms adhesions that grip the joint, causing pain and a steady loss of movement. It often appears without a clear trigger, though it is more likely after an injury, a period of keeping the arm still, or shoulder surgery, and in people living with diabetes or thyroid conditions.
The condition usually passes through three overlapping stages. A painful freezing phase comes first, then a stiff frozen phase where movement is most restricted, and finally a thawing phase as range slowly returns. Each stage responds best to different care, so pushing hard too early can flare the joint while doing too little can prolong stiffness. Pinpointing your stage lets us pace treatment correctly rather than applying one routine to everyone.
Signs to look out for
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens at night
- Steady loss of shoulder movement
- Trouble reaching overhead
- Difficulty reaching behind the back
- Stiffness dressing or washing
- Weakness from lack of use
Why it happens
- Shoulder injury or surgery
- Long periods of keeping the arm still
- Diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Age between 40 and 60
- More common in women
Treating frozen shoulder at Rehoboth
Every plan starts with a thorough assessment and a written plan you can actually read. Same-week appointments across five Grand Cayman clinics.
Your first visit is a careful assessment to confirm frozen shoulder, identify your current stage and exclude other shoulder problems. We then write a plan matched to that stage. During the painful early phase we calm symptoms with gentle manual therapy, pain-relieving modalities and graded movement within a comfortable range, so you hold on to as much motion as possible without provoking the joint or disturbing your sleep at night.
As pain settles we build in hands-on mobilisation, stretching and a progressive strengthening programme to rebuild range and function. Shockwave therapy and heat can support comfort where they suit you. Recovery asks for patience, so we monitor your progress, adjust the plan and keep you motivated. If movement stalls, we coordinate with your doctor about whether an injection or a specialist opinion would add to your physiotherapy.
Services that treat frozen shoulder
Physiotherapy
Magnetotherapy, robotic rehabilitation, shockwave, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, calibrated to your exact diagnosis.
Shockwave Therapy
Focused & radial acoustic-wave therapy for stubborn plantar fasciitis, calcific tendonitis and chronic tendinopathy.
General Practice
General health consultations, work-permit & taxi medicals, statutory certificates and annual health checks, with same-week appointments.
Frozen Shoulder questions, answered
Yes. Physiotherapy is a mainstay of frozen shoulder care and helps at every stage, easing pain in the early phase and restoring movement and strength as the shoulder thaws. Matching treatment to your stage makes recovery smoother and more comfortable.
Frozen shoulder often takes many months and sometimes more than a year to settle fully as it moves through its stages. A structured physiotherapy plan can reduce pain earlier and help you regain useful movement faster than waiting on its own.
Gentle, controlled movement is usually better than complete rest, which can add to stiffness. Your physiotherapist shows you how much to move at your current stage so you protect range without flaring the joint.
Yes. We treat frozen shoulder at our George Town clinics on Walkers Road and Cannon Place, along with Savannah, Seven Mile Beach and West Bay. Same-week appointments are available and we bill CINICO and major insurers directly.
Other musculoskeletal conditions we treat
Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain can make everyday movement, work and sleep difficult. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care ease pain and restore movement so you can get back to normal.
Joint Pain
Joint pain in the knees, hips, shoulders or hands can limit the things you love. Physiotherapy eases pain and rebuilds the strength that keeps your joints moving well.
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain, tightness and stubborn knots can nag for weeks. Hands-on physiotherapy and dry needling release tense muscles and help you move freely and comfortably again.
Strains and Sprains
A strain or sprain can happen in an instant and needs the right care from day one. Physiotherapy settles pain and rebuilds strength for a safe return to activity.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness as cartilage wears over time. Physiotherapy helps you stay active, build strength and manage symptoms long term.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that inflames the joints. Alongside your doctor, physiotherapy helps keep you mobile, strong and functioning well.