Are you struggling with shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion that seems to be getting worse over time? You may be suffering from frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis — a condition that can significantly affect your daily life. At Quinte Physiotherapy Clinic in Belleville, we specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of frozen shoulder, offering evidence-based physiotherapy solutions to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (the shoulder capsule) becomes thickened and inflamed, leading to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. This restricts movement and makes everyday tasks like reaching, lifting, or dressing extremely painful.
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and progresses through three distinct stages:
This initial phase involves increasing pain and stiffness. As inflammation sets in, movement becomes more restricted. This stage can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
Pain may begin to diminish, but stiffness remains and can worsen. Daily tasks become increasingly difficult. This stage often lasts between 4 to 12 months.
The final stage involves a gradual return of movement. Stiffness decreases, and normal function slowly begins to improve over several months.
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, it often occurs following:
Frozen shoulder is not related to arthritis, although it may be confused with it due to similar symptoms. That’s why an accurate diagnosis by a qualified physiotherapist is essential.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be developing a frozen shoulder:
Ignoring the signs may prolong recovery, so early intervention is key to faster and more complete healing.
At Quinte Physiotherapy Clinic, we offer a personalized and holistic approach to frozen shoulder care. Our registered physiotherapists take time to understand your medical history, assess your shoulder mobility, and design a treatment plan tailored to your stage of the condition and unique goals.
Gentle mobilizations and stretching techniques to loosen the joint capsule and break down adhesions.
Targeted exercises to improve range of motion, strengthen surrounding muscles, and maintain shoulder stability.
Use of heat, ultrasound, or interferential current (IFC) therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
We guide you on posture awareness, activity modification, and home care to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
In some cases, we may include needling techniques to address muscular trigger points and promote healing.
We follow a phased approach that aligns with your body’s healing timeline — ensuring you’re not rushed through recovery, but steadily guided at each step.
With years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions in the Belleville community, our team brings a deep understanding of frozen shoulder and how it affects your lifestyle.
Every session is focused solely on you. You’ll receive hands-on care in a professional yet warm environment where your recovery is our priority.
We work closely with family physicians, orthopedic specialists, and your healthcare team (if applicable) to ensure continuity of care.
We stay updated with the latest physiotherapy techniques and technologies to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.
Recovery from frozen shoulder varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the stage of the condition, your age, overall health, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. On average, full recovery may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Our goal at Quinte Physiotherapy Clinic is to shorten your recovery timeline and restore your independence as quickly and safely as possible.
If you’re in Belleville or the surrounding Quinte region and suspect you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference in your outcome.
