How to Cure Frozen Shoulder Quickly: Effective Treatments and Tips

One common culprit is frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, which can sneak up gradually and have a significant impact on your daily life. It can make everyday activities, such as reaching for a cup or combing your hair, feel impossible. 

Frozen shoulder often resolves on its own over time, but it can stretch into months or even years without the right interventions. Fortunately, a combination of targeted treatments and smart self-care can speed recovery and help you reclaim full motion sooner rather than later.

Understanding the symptoms and stages of frozen shoulder

“People with frozen shoulder often notice a gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the joint that becomes more limiting over time,” said Colleen Gruici, PT, DPT, CHT, physical therapist at Inspira Sports Rehab Care Deptford. “Early on, you might shrug off the discomfort as a pulled muscle or just a result of sleeping the wrong way. But as the condition progresses, everyday movements can become incredibly challenging without treatment.”

Common symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Persistent aching or sharp pain in the shoulder, sometimes extending down the arm
• Noticeable stiffness that limits lifting your arm, reaching overhead or rotating your shoulder
• Pain that worsens at night, disrupting sleep

If these symptoms sound familiar and aren’t improving on their own, it may be time to talk with a rehabilitation specialist. Early treatment can reduce discomfort and keep the condition from intensifying.

Most people experience frozen shoulder in three overlapping phases, each lasting several months: 

• Freezing phase: Gradual onset of pain, especially with movement, and a slow loss of range of motion
• Frozen phase: Pain may ease slightly, but stiffness remains severe, making your shoulder movement very limited
• Thawing phase: Gradual return of range of motion, often with lingering discomfort

Physical therapy: The cornerstone of recovery

“Working with a licensed physical therapist gives you access to hands-on techniques and personalized exercises designed to gradually restore mobility, build strength and help you get back to your everyday activities,” said Kristen Marsh, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Inspira Sports Rehab Care Vineland.

Early sessions may focus on gentle stretching and joint mobilization to loosen the tightened joint capsule. As your pain decreases, your therapist will introduce exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding your shoulder, helping prevent future stiffness and improve overall joint stability.

Over time, the focus shifts to movements that mimic real-life tasks, helping you regain confidence in activities such as lifting, reaching and getting dressed. Most people benefit from multiple in-person sessions each week, paired with a home exercise routine that reinforces progress between appointments.

Medication, injection options and advanced procedures 

Over‑the‑counter nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can ease pain and inflammation, making it easier to stick with your exercise program. For more stubborn cases, your rehabilitation specialist may recommend a corticosteroid injection directly into the shoulder joint. This injection often provides a burst of relief, allowing you to make gains in mobility during the thawing phase. 

After three to six months, your care team may recommend exploring minimally invasive procedures if physical therapy, medication and injections are unsuccessful. These procedures are safe and effective for most patients but are generally reserved for cases where physical therapy and injections haven’t achieved sufficient progress. 

Practical tips to accelerate healing 

To make the most of your rehabilitation journey and keep your progress on track, try these practical tips to accelerate healing: 

• Stay consistent: Skipping days can reverse your gains, so aim for daily engagement, even if it’s a lighter routine
• Listen to your body: Mild discomfort during stretching is normal, but sharp pain means you’re pushing too hard
• Maintain good posture: Rounded shoulders or slouching can perpetuate tightness, so sit and stand tall
• Be patient: Frozen shoulder rarely resolves overnight, but steady improvements add up 

“With an individualized treatment plan, diligent home exercises and professional guidance, quick and lasting relief from frozen shoulder is within reach,” said Gruici. “If pain or stiffness persists, talk to a rehabilitation specialist to adjust your approach and keep you on track toward a fully mobile shoulder.”

Learn more about physical therapy and rehabilitation at Inspira.