Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Prevention
by: Amanda Chua, TCM Physician, Regis Wellness
Last updated: November 29, 2025
Frozen shoulder causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, with symptoms worsening over time. Symptoms of pain and stiffness generally go away within 3 years. It is suggested that approximately 5% of the population will experience a frozen shoulder within their lifetime. Frozen shoulders are most common amongst people between the ages of 40 and 60. In addition, women are more prone to developing frozen shoulder in comparison to males. Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
Jump to
Frozen Shoulder in Singapore
Sometimes referred to as the ‘50-year shoulder’ in Chinese, frozen shoulder is a common condition in Singapore. Considering our ageing population, it makes sense that the condition is common amongst Singaporeans since it is most prevalent amongst the older generation. Diabetic patients are also at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder and diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Singapore.
Manage your frozen shoulder at Regis Wellness
High quality, effective, holistic treatments
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, refers to a condition in which the shoulder joint experiences a loss of motion, stiffness and pain. The pain and stiffness get worse over time, before finally going away after a long time. The pain and stiffness can last up to 3 years.
The pain and stiffness are the results of your shoulder capsule becoming increasingly thick and tight, to the extent in which the shoulder becomes difficult to move. The shoulder capsule refers to the tissue in your shoulder that holds the upper arm (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle) together.
The stiffness and pain can be further aggravated by the formation of scar tissue and a lack of lubrication due to insufficient synovial fluid. While frozen shoulders rarely reoccur in the same shoulder after it has gone away, some people may experience a reoccurrence in the other shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically develops in 3 stages, each with its own timeline and symptoms. However, these are some of the symptoms of a frozen shoulder in general:
- Dull or achy pain in one shoulder
- Difficulty moving or inability to move the shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder muscles that wrap around the top of your arm
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Freezing Stage. In the freezing stage, you experience pain when attempting to move your shoulder, which worsens over time. A loss in the range of motion of the affected shoulder is experienced. The pain may be worse at night. This stage can last from 2 to 9 months.
Frozen Stage. In the frozen stage, you may experience less pain than before, but the stiffness of the shoulder gets worse, to the point where it is difficult for you to carry out your daily activities. This stage can last from 4 to 12 months.
Thawing Stage. In the thawing stage, the shoulder regains its mobility slowly. This stage can last from 6 months to 2 years.
Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder
Risk factors of a frozen shoulder include:
- Age. Those between 40 to 60 are at an increased risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- Sex. Women are more susceptible to developing frozen shoulder in comparison to men.
- Inability to move your shoulder frequently. Certain conditions may prevent you from being able to move your shoulders frequently. For example, if you are recovering from a stroke, you might not be able to move your shoulder much. Keeping your shoulder in a fixed position for prolonged periods of time will increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder. These may include diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, and Parkinson disease.
Complications of Frozen Shoulder
Complications of Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder pains
- Loss of mobility
- Reduced range of motion
- Long-term muscle problems that may worsen
- Complete immobilisation
It is best to seek treatment early so that you can speed up your shoulder’s recovery process and avoid unwanted complications.
Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder
To diagnose a frozen shoulder, your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination to check for your active range of motion and passive range of motion. This is done by checking for pain while you move your arm and checking the range of movement of your arm while relaxed.
Should it be necessary, your doctor may also suggest imaging tests such as an X-ray or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test in order to rule out other possible health conditions that may be affecting your shoulder.
Preventing Frozen Shoulder
Recovering from a frozen shoulder is a long process that may take up to 3 years. It is ideal to avoid developing a frozen shoulder in the first place via preventive measures. These may include:
- Regular stretching of your shoulders and back muscles
- Regular stretching of your tendons
- Practice good ergonomics, especially when using a computer or sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, practicing range-of-motion exercises can be crucial in preventing a potential frozen shoulder
- Monitoring your diabetic condition, if you are diabetic
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Treatment methods for a frozen shoulder typically aim to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as to increase the range of motion of the affected shoulder.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication. Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected shoulder.
Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids may be injected into the affected shoulder joint, relieving pain and improving your range of motion.
Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder, helping relieve pain, restore shoulder mobility, and gradually increase function throughout each stage of the condition. Since frozen shoulder progresses through the freezing, frozen, and thawing stages, physiotherapy programs are customised to your current symptoms, pain levels, and mobility limitations.
A structured physiotherapy plan helps reduce stiffness, support shoulder recovery, and shorten the overall duration of the condition. Treatment commonly focuses on pain management, restoring movement, strengthening surrounding muscles, and preventing future recurrences.
Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder typically progresses through the following treatment focuses:
- Pain Relief & Mobility Protection Phase (Freezing Stage)
- Hot and Cold Therapy to relax tight shoulder muscles and reduce inflammation during painful flare-ups
- TENS Therapy to help modulate pain signals, reduce muscle spasm, and make movement more tolerable
- Ultrasound Therapy to improve blood flow, calm inflammation, and ease deep tissue discomfort
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility and prevent further joint capsule tightening
- Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release and gentle joint mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
- Mobility Restoration & Stretching Phase (Frozen Stage)
- Progressive stretching exercises to improve shoulder rotation, flexion, and abduction
- Joint mobilisation techniques to gradually increase capsular flexibility
- Soft tissue mobilisation to reduce tightness in surrounding muscles such as the deltoids, trapezius, and rotator cuff
- Postural re-education exercises to reduce tension in the neck and upper back that may worsen shoulder discomfort
- Activity modification guidance to keep the shoulder moving without aggravating pain
- Strengthening, Function & Return-to-Activity Phase (Thawing Stage)
- Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff, scapular stabilisers, and upper body to restore full function
- Functional movement training to improve shoulder control during daily tasks such as reaching, lifting, and overhead movement
- Core and postural strengthening to support long-term shoulder mechanics and reduce future strain
- Dynamic stretching and advanced mobility drills for smoother, more coordinated shoulder motion
- Home exercise programs to maintain improvements and prevent recurrence
Our physiotherapist will monitor your pain, range of motion, and progress through each phase, adjusting exercises and treatments as your shoulder begins to “thaw” and mobility returns. With consistent physiotherapy, patients typically experience reduced pain, improved flexibility, and restored shoulder function over time.
TCM for Frozen Shoulder
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views frozen shoulder as a result of disrupted Qi and blood flow in the meridians surrounding the shoulder. TCM aims to restore balance, improve circulation, and relieve pain and stiffness through methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping. These treatments can be used on their own or alongside physiotherapy to support recovery and improve shoulder function.
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Some individuals may notice improvement after a few treatments, while longer-standing frozen shoulder may require a more gradual, ongoing approach. TCM treatment is tailored to the individual and often combines several modalities.
TCM approaches for frozen shoulder can be grouped into key treatment focuses:
- Symptom Relief & Pain Management
- Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific acupuncture points along the meridians to regulate Qi and blood flow. This can help reduce shoulder pain, calm inflammation, and relax tight muscles around the joint.
- Cupping therapy creates gentle suction on the skin to increase local circulation, ease muscle tension, and relieve discomfort. When applied around the shoulder and upper back, it may help reduce pain and stiffness associated with frozen shoulder.
- Topical herbal liniments or plasters may be recommended to warm the area, improve blood flow, and support local pain relief.
- Mobility, Circulation & Tissue Healing
- Specific acupuncture point combinations may be selected to “unblock” stagnation in the shoulder region, support tissue healing, and encourage a gradual increase in range of motion.
- Cupping over the shoulder, neck, and upper back can help loosen tight musculature that restricts movement and contributes to joint stiffness.
- TCM herbal medicine may be prescribed internally to invigorate blood, dispel cold or dampness, and nourish the tendons and ligaments, supporting recovery of the shoulder joint.
- Maintenance, Balance & Recurrence Prevention
- Once pain and stiffness improve, maintenance acupuncture sessions may be spaced out to help maintain shoulder mobility and prevent symptoms from returning.
- Our TCM practitioner may provide lifestyle and self-care advice, such as keeping the shoulder warm, avoiding sudden overuse, and incorporating gentle mobility exercises to support ongoing shoulder health.
- When combined with a structured physiotherapy program, TCM can form part of a comprehensive approach to improving function, supporting long-term joint health, and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Our TCM physician will assess your overall condition and pattern of imbalance before recommending a personalised treatment plan. Working together with your healthcare team, TCM can complement other therapies to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support recovery from frozen shoulder.
Manage Frozen Shoulder with Regis Wellness Physiotherapy and TCM
Get regular updates from Regis Wellness!
Subscribe to our email newsletter and stay updated with the latest health topics and tips to manage your health and wellness.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, videos and all other materials contained on this website is for informational purposes only. None of the material is meant to replace a certified and registered Doctor's professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
No warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information. Regis Wellness, Regis Wellness’s staff, and the website's operator will not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information on this website.
Any devices used for technology-enhanced therapies are intended for use only for general well-being purposes or to encourage or maintain a healthy lifestyle and is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection. diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease). Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice. Please consult a certified and registered Doctor for any medical advice required. As with all medical conditions, there are exceptions and nuances to individuals’ condition and treatment modalities. We aim to provide only a general understanding for each section.
Ai, Jian et al. “Tuina for periarthritis of shoulder: A systematic review protocol.” Medicine vol. 99,11 (2020): e19332. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019332
Asheghan, Mahsa et al. “INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPUNCTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF FROZEN SHOULDER.” Materia socio-medica vol. 28,4 (2016): 253-257. doi:10.5455/msm.2016.28.253-257
Athwal, George, and Benjamin Widmer. “Frozen Shoulder.” Frozen Shoulder - Adhesive Capsulitis - Orthoinfo - AAOS, OrthoInfo, Mar. 2018, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/frozen-shoulder#:~:text=Frozen%20shoulder%20most%20commonly%20affects,risk%20for%20developing%20frozen%20shoulder.
“Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) .” Frozen Shoulder Symptoms, Causes and Treatment: UPMC, UPMC Orthopaedic Care, https://www.upmc.com/services/orthopaedics/conditions-treatments/frozen-shoulders.
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome – Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, 23 May 2017, https://www.oamichigan.com/frozen-shoulder-syndrome-diagnosis-prevention-treatment/.
“Frozen Shoulder.” Frozen Shoulder - Diagnosis and Treatment, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Aug. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372690.
“Frozen Shoulder.” Frozen Shoulder - Symptoms and Causes, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Aug. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684.
“Frozen Shoulder.” HealthHub, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 21 Dec. 2021, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/605/frozen-shoulder.
“Frozen Shoulder.” NHS Choices, NHS, 26 Apr. 2021, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/frozen-shoulder/.
Kim, Yun Jin. “Acupuncture management for the acute frozen shoulder: A case report.” Clinical case reports vol. 9,11 e05055. 6 Nov. 2021, doi:10.1002/ccr3.5055
Meng, Xing et al. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion vol. 42,2 (2022): 227-30. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210820-k0002
“Physical Therapy Guide to Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis).” Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis), Choose PT, 20 Nov. 2017, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis.
“Shoulder and Elbow - Frozen Shoulder.” Frozen Shoulder - Conditions & Treatments, SingHealth, https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/shoulder-elbow-frozen-shoulder.
Wheeler, Tyler. “What Is a Frozen Shoulder?” Frozen Shoulder - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, WebMD, 18 Mar. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-frozen-shoulder.
