From pain relief to improved shoulder mobility, our certified specialists provide evidence-based physiotherapy treatments to reduce stiffness, restore range of motion, and support long-term recovery.
What drives frozen shoulder
Yes, physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing and shortening the duration of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis). Through targeted joint mobilization, progressive range-of-motion stretching, and pain-relieving techniques, physiotherapy helps restore shoulder mobility and prevent permanent stiffness.
Prolonged Immobilization
Gender & Age Factors
Post-Traumatic Inflammation
Symptoms
What does frozen shoulder feel like?
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages (Freezing, Frozen, and Thawing) with distinct symptoms:
Severe Shoulder Pain
Deep, dull, or aching shoulder pain that is often worse at night or when lying on the affected side.
Severe Stiffness & Restricted Range
Inability to raise your arm overhead, reach behind your back (e.g., reaching for a seatbelt or fastening a bra), or reach out sideways.
Loss of Both Active and Passive Movement
The shoulder cannot move whether you try to lift it yourself or someone else attempts to move it for you.
Compensatory Movements
Elevating your entire shoulder blade or twisting your body to compensate for the stiff shoulder joint.
Symptoms
When to see a physiotherapist?
You should schedule an assessment with a physiotherapist if:
You notice a gradual, unexplained loss of shoulder movement over several weeks.
Simple tasks like dressing, combing hair, or reaching overhead become increasingly painful or impossible.
Shoulder pain interrupts your sleep whenever you turn onto your side.
Important medical warning
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
How we assess frozen shoulder at Plan B
At Plan B Physio, our structured clinical assessment process includes:
Differentiating adhesive capsulitis from muscle conditions like rotator cuff tears.
Checking restricted movement, especially external rotation and overhead reach.
Observing how your shoulder blade moves relative to your arm.
Identifying safe stretch boundaries and muscle guarding around the shoulder joint.
How we treat lower back pain
Depending on your clinical findings, your treatment plan may include:
Joint Mobilization (Maitland / Mulligan Techniques)
Gentle passive joint glides to stretch the tight joint capsule safely.
Progressive Range of Motion Exercises
Assisted stretching and pulley exercises to reclaim shoulder movement.
Soft Tissue Release
Relieving secondary muscle tightness in the chest, upper back, and neck.
Pain Management Modalities
Heat therapy, dry needling, or electrotherapy to soothe deep joint aching.
What to expect
Frozen shoulder is a condition that resolves slowly, but consistent physiotherapy significantly accelerates recovery:
Phase 01
Freezing / Acute Phase
(Pain Predominant)
EXPECTED DURATION
6-10
sessions
1-2
months
Manage night pain, reduce inflammation, and maintain existing mobility.
Phase 02
Frozen Phase
(Stiffness Predominant)
EXPECTED DURATION
10-16
sessions
2-4
months
Aggressive capsule stretching, joint glides, and active movement gains.
Phase 03
Thawing Phase
(Recovery)
EXPECTED DURATION
8-12
sessions
2-3
months
Full functional range restoration, rotator cuff strengthening, and return to daily activities.
Who treat this
Recovery varies based on severity, age, and activity level. While we never guarantee exact timelines, typical recovery phases include:
Alex Cheah
Director & Senior Physiotherapist
Bryan Chiam
Branch Manager & Senior Physiotherapist
Darren Lim
Senior Physiotherapist
Ee Hang
Senior Physiotherapist
Daphne Shu
Branch Manager & Senior Physiotherapist
Hannah Tan
Branch Manager & Senior Physiotherapist
Shavonne Choi
Senior Physiotherapist
Cecilia Hoon
Physiotherapist
Yap Shi Qi
Regional Director / District Manager
Ng Wei Shan
Senior Physiotherapist
Daphne Low
Senior Physiotherapist
Ju Kah Yi
Senior Physiotherapist
Chang Han Shen
Branch Manager & Senior Physiotherapist
Shee Zhe Pin
Head Coach
Medhavinz Seew Ravindran
Trainer
Where to get treated
Receive specialized lower back pain care at any of our accessible Plan B branches:
Plan B Midtown (HQ)
Plan B Uptown Pilates
Plan B Sutera
Plan B SK Arena
Plan B Bukit Jalil
First trial session
RM 220
one-time session
Pricing &
First Trial
Start your shoulder recovery journey with a clinical assessment and trial session.
What's included
View our complete pricing and package options here:
QUESTIONS, Answered.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to answer any questions before you book.
No. Rotator cuff tears involve muscle/tendon damage where someone else can still lift your arm passively. Frozen shoulder involves capsule stiffness where the arm is locked even when moved passively.
No! Pushing into severe pain causes muscle guarding and increases inflammation. Gentle, controlled stretches guided by a physiotherapist yield better results.
Without treatment, it can take 1.5 to 3 years to resolve. Physiotherapy helps shorten this timeframe and prevents permanent mobility loss.
It is best to avoid sleeping on the painful side. Support your affected arm with a pillow across your chest when sleeping on your back or opposite side.
Wear a loose tank top, sleeveless top, or sports bra so your therapist can easily examine and treat your shoulder joint.
Ready to
live pain-free
Reclaim your shoulder movement today. Click below to chat directly with our team on WhatsApp for free advice or to book your trial session.
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