5 Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

While frozen shoulder is common,  it presents differently for every individual who suffers from symptoms. 

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder is stiff, painful, and has a limited range of motion in all directions due to a buildup of scar tissue. It occurs in about 2-5% of the American population and typically affects more women than men over 45.

Exercise and movement are essential for a successful recovery from a frozen shoulder. It’s best to consult with a highly trained physical therapist before performing any activities to avoid further pain or injury.

Below are five exercises that can help relieve frozen shoulder:

1. Pendulum stretch
   Relax your shoulders. Stand and lean over slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang down. Swing the arm in a small circle — about a foot in diameter. Perform ten revolutions in each direction, once a day. As your symptoms improve, increase the diameter of your swing, but never force it. When you’re ready for more, increase the stretch by holding a lightweight (three to five pounds) in the swinging arm.
2. Cross-body shoulder reach
   Sit or stand. Use your unaffected arm to lift the arm experiencing frozen shoulder at the elbow, and bring it up and across your body, applying gentle pressure to stretch the shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this 10 to 20 times per day.
3. Towel stretch
   Hold one end of a three-foot-long towel behind your back and grab the opposite end with your other hand. Hold the towel in a horizontal position. Use your unaffected arm to pull the arm experiencing frozen shoulder upward to feel a stretch. You can also do an advanced version of this exercise with the towel draped over your good shoulder. Hold the bottom of the towel with the affected arm and pull it toward the lower back with the unaffected arm. Do this 10 to 20 times a day.
4. Outward rotation
   Hold a rubber exercise band between your hands with your elbows at a 90-degree angle close to your sides. Rotate the lower part of the affected arm outward two or three inches and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once a day.
5. Inward rotation
   Stand next to a closed door, and hook one end of a rubber exercise band around the doorknob. Hold the other end with the hand of the affected arm, holding your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Pull the band toward your body two or three inches and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once a day.

A highly qualified physical therapist will work with you one-on-one to create an individualized plan of care that best fits your symptoms and abilities. After your Plan of Care is established, your physical therapist will perform a series of treatments to ensure you safely regain full range of motion and strength in the shoulder once again.

Speak with a physical therapist today to schedule an initial evaluation of your condition to receive proper care and treatment.

Resources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/shoulders/stretching-exercises-frozen-shoulder
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDaNzz2bfXs
https://www.sports-health.com/treatment/shoulder-injury-treatment/exercises-moderate-severe-cases-frozen-shoulder