How long does frozen shoulder last?

Left entirely alone, frozen shoulder typically follows a course of 12 to 18 months, and sometimes longer. Physiotherapy matched to the correct stage can significantly reduce pain and accelerate the return of movement, and early intervention generally leads to better outcomes.

How do you know it is frozen shoulder and not a rotator cuff problem?

The two are frequently confused, and the treatments differ. Frozen shoulder shows a characteristic pattern of restriction on clinical testing, particularly loss of external rotation. We combine clinical assessment with in-house diagnostic ultrasound to rule out rotator cuff tears and bursitis before confirming the diagnosis.

Do injections help frozen shoulder?

In the early painful stage, corticosteroid injection has good evidence for reducing pain and can make rehabilitation far more comfortable. It is less useful once the shoulder is simply stiff. We will advise whether an injection is appropriate for your stage and arrange the right referral if so.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly with us online or by phone. No GP referral is required.

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Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen shoulder is painful, restrictive, and often misdiagnosed. Accurate staging and a structured physiotherapy plan can significantly reduce pain and speed the return of movement.

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HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · Physio First Member · BUPA & WPA Recognised

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then tightens, causing pain followed by progressive stiffness. It typically moves through three stages: a painful freezing stage, a stiff frozen stage, and a gradual thawing stage as movement returns.

It most commonly affects people between 40 and 60, and is more common in those with diabetes or thyroid conditions, or after a period of shoulder immobilisation such as surgery or injury. Because the treatment that helps most depends on the stage you are in, an accurate diagnosis matters. At Lower Limb Clinic our clinicians assess the shoulder clinically, with in-house diagnostic ultrasound available to rule out rotator cuff pathology and other causes of a stiff, painful shoulder.

Full-body physiotherapy is now available at Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. Book online to see our physiotherapist.

Common Symptoms

Deep, aching shoulder pain, often worse at night
Progressive stiffness and loss of movement in all directions
Difficulty reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body
Pain with sudden movements or knocks to the arm
Trouble with everyday tasks like dressing, driving, or fastening a seatbelt
Symptoms that have built up over weeks to months

Common Causes

Primary (idiopathic) frozen shoulder with no clear trigger
Diabetes and thyroid conditions, which increase risk
Immobilisation after shoulder surgery or injury
Rotator cuff injury leading to secondary stiffness
Previous frozen shoulder on the other side

How We Treat Frozen Shoulder

Treatment is matched to the stage of the condition. In the painful early stage, the priority is settling pain: activity modification, gentle movement within tolerance, and advice on sleep positions. Where pain is severe, a corticosteroid injection can be effective at this stage, and we will advise and arrange the appropriate referral where indicated. As the shoulder moves into the stiff and thawing stages, treatment shifts to progressive stretching, joint mobilisation, and strengthening to restore range and function. Throughout, we monitor progress against clear milestones rather than leaving you to wait it out alone.

MSK Assessment & Staging

Comprehensive shoulder examination to confirm the diagnosis, identify the stage, and rule out rotator cuff tears or other pathology. Diagnostic ultrasound available in-house.

Pain-Stage Management

Activity and sleep advice, gentle mobility work, and guidance on injection options during the painful freezing stage, with referral arranged where appropriate.

Manual Therapy & Stretching

Joint mobilisation and a graded capsular stretching programme to restore movement during the stiff and thawing stages.

Rehabilitation Programme

Progressive strengthening and functional retraining as movement returns, so the shoulder is strong as well as mobile by the end of recovery.

Ready to get frozen shoulder treated?

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When to Seek Professional Help

Shoulder pain and stiffness have been building for more than two weeks
Night pain is disrupting your sleep
You are losing movement in more than one direction
You have diabetes or a thyroid condition and new shoulder stiffness
Stiffness followed a shoulder injury or surgery
You want to confirm whether this is frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Frozen Shoulder at Lower Limb Clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan

MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered

Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast

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Get specialist Frozen Shoulder treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic

Where are you based?

Lisburn Road Clinic

385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP

Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 9am-1pm

028 9013 9185

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Ormeau Road Clinic

373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP

Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm

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We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.