{"id":7491,"date":"2026-09-22T12:57:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T12:57:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/?p=7491"},"modified":"2026-09-22T12:57:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T12:57:24","slug":"frozen-shoulder-symptoms-stages-and-role-of-physiotherapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/en\/ombro-congelado-sintomas-fases-e-papel-da-fisioterapia\/","title":{"rendered":"Frozen shoulder: symptoms, phases and the role of physiotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and a progressive loss of shoulder mobility. Simple activities such as putting on a sweater, combing your hair, putting on your seatbelt, or reaching for an object on a shelf can become difficult and painful.<\/p>\n

Although in many cases there is a progressive recovery over time, the evolution varies from person to person. The pain can be intense, the stiffness persists for several months and some functional limitations may persist.<\/p>\n

Physiotherapy can play a relevant role in recovery through education, therapeutic exercise, progressive recovery of mobility and resumption of daily activities. The intervention should be adapted to the intensity of the pain, the available mobility, the stage of the evolution and the goals of each person.<\/p>\n

What is frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis?<\/h4>\n

Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain, stiffness, and progressive limitation of shoulder movements, both in movements performed by the person themselves and in certain movements passively assessed by a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n

The shoulder joint is surrounded by a joint capsule that contributes to stability and movement. In adhesive capsulitis, inflammatory and fibrous changes occur in this structure, which can become thicker and more contracted. These changes contribute to pain and reduced mobility.<\/p>\n

One of the most important clinical features is the limitation of external rotation of the shoulder. Other movements, such as raising the arm or placing the hand behind the back, can also be compromised.<\/p>\n

The diagnosis is predominantly clinical. Evaluation of symptoms, active and passive mobility, and other possible causes of shoulder pain is fundamental. Imaging tests are not always necessary, although they can be used when there are doubts about the diagnosis or suspicion of another condition.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?<\/h4>\n

Symptoms can arise gradually and vary over time. The most common include:<\/p>\n