Condition profile · Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Protocol from 3'585 CHF · ≈ 7 weeks
Understand
What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammation and then a thickening of the capsule around the joint. The shoulder becomes painful, then stiff in every direction: brushing your hair, getting dressed or reaching up becomes difficult.
It mainly affects people aged 40 to 60, more often women and people with diabetes or a thyroid condition. It lasts a long time, but it resolves in the vast majority of cases; treatment aims to ease pain and preserve as much mobility as possible at each phase.
See a doctor promptly if…
- A locked shoulder after a fall: a dislocation or fracture must be ruled out
- Pain with fever, or a red, hot shoulder
Common causes
- Progressive inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule
- Sometimes idiopathic
- More frequent after a period of immobilisation or in diabetic patients
Symptoms
- Progressive loss of mobility in all directions
- Pain, especially at night
- Multi-phase course over several months
Timeline
How long does frozen shoulder last?
These phases overlap and vary greatly from person to person. Treatment adapted to each phase reduces pain and helps keep more range of motion.
- Painful phase, the shoulder stiffens
- 2 to 9 months
- Stiff phase, less painful
- 4 to 12 months
- Recovery phase
- 5 to 24 months
- Usual total course
- 1 to 3 years
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation for an initial diagnosis. Complementing this: clinical assessment (passive/active mobility) by the physiotherapist. Imaging with Dr Massimo Donalisio to rule out other causes.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy and progressive mobilisation — naturally long course (12 to 18 months), clearly explained from the start
- Physical preparation to keep the rest of the body active
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: injection if pain limits rehabilitation too much
Rehab
Treatment through the phases of frozen shoulder
- 01
Painful phase: settle
Gentle movement without forcing, pain relief prescribed by the doctor; an early injection can bring clear relief. Forcing at this stage makes the pain worse.
- 02
Stiff phase: mobilise
Progressive stretching within a tolerable tension, mobilisation by the physio, daily exercises at home.
- 03
Recovery phase: strengthen
Regain the remaining range of motion and strengthen the shoulder to get back to everyday movements and sport.
Exercises
Exercises for a frozen shoulder
Pendulum
Leaning forward with the arm relaxed, let it swing in small circles for 1 to 2 minutes to loosen the shoulder.
Table slide
Sitting with your hand on a towel on a table, slide it forwards while leaning your trunk. 10 repetitions.
Stick external rotation
Elbows at your sides, push the hand of the affected side outwards with a stick held in the other hand. 10 repetitions, without forcing.
Assisted arm raise
Hands clasped, raise your arms with the good side helping the stiff side, up to a tolerable tension. 10 repetitions.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Back to your activities: our milestones
- No more night pain
- Enough range for everyday movements: brushing hair, getting dressed
- Shoulder strength similar to the other side
- A gradual return to sport and overhead movements
Investment
Base protocol price
From
3'585CHF
≈ 7 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about frozen shoulder
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppShould I force it to regain range of motion?
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Can frozen shoulder come back?
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Same area
Other conditions treated: shoulder
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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