Frozen Shoulder Physical Therapy in New Braunfels
If your shoulder has become increasingly stiff, painful, and difficult to move, you may be experiencing frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. At BTY Physical Therapy, we provide one-on-one treatment to help reduce pain, restore shoulder mobility, and get you back to everyday activities with confidence.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, causing pain and a gradual loss of motion. Unlike many other shoulder injuries, frozen shoulder often develops slowly over several months and can make even simple tasks difficult.
Common activities that become challenging include:
Reaching overhead
Fastening a seatbelt
Reaching behind your back
Putting on a jacket
Washing or combing your hair
Sleeping comfortably on the affected side
Without treatment, frozen shoulder may last one to three years, although many people improve sooner with appropriate physical therapy.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Common symptoms include:
Shoulder pain that gradually worsens
Progressive stiffness
Difficulty reaching overhead
Limited motion in all directions
Pain at night
Difficulty dressing
Trouble reaching behind your back
If both active and passive shoulder movement are restricted, frozen shoulder may be the cause.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause isn't always known, but frozen shoulder is more common after:
Shoulder surgery
Rotator cuff injuries
Extended periods of shoulder immobilization
Fractures
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Adults between ages 40 and 65
Early treatment may help reduce long-term stiffness and improve recovery.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy is one of the primary treatments for adhesive capsulitis.
Your treatment plan may include:
Gentle shoulder mobility exercises
Stretching to improve flexibility
Joint mobilization techniques
Pain management strategies
Progressive strengthening exercises
Education on activity modification
Home exercise program
Treatment is always progressed based on your stage of recovery and your tolerance to movement.
Recovery Takes Time—But Progress Is Possible
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:
Freezing Stage: Pain increases while shoulder motion gradually decreases.
Frozen Stage: Pain often begins to improve, but stiffness becomes the primary limitation.
Thawing Stage: Shoulder motion gradually returns over time.
A physical therapist can adjust your treatment based on the stage you're in, helping you regain motion safely while avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Why One-on-One Physical Therapy Matters
Every case of frozen shoulder is different.
Some people need to focus on pain management first, while others are ready for more aggressive mobility work. Working one-on-one with a physical therapist allows your treatment plan to be adjusted at every visit based on your progress, symptoms, and goals.
Our goal is to improve your shoulder motion while minimizing unnecessary discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can frozen shoulder heal without physical therapy?
Some people eventually recover without treatment, but recovery can take one to three years. Physical therapy may help improve shoulder mobility, reduce pain, and restore function throughout the recovery process.
Is frozen shoulder permanent?
In most cases, no. While recovery can take time, most people regain significant shoulder function with appropriate treatment and consistent exercise.
Should I keep moving my shoulder if it hurts?
Some discomfort during stretching is expected, but exercises should be performed under the guidance of a physical therapist to avoid excessive irritation.
How many physical therapy visits will I need?
This depends on the severity of your stiffness, the stage of frozen shoulder, and your individual goals. Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your evaluation.
Why Choose BTY Physical Therapy?
We provide:
One-on-one, 60-minute appointments
The same physical therapist at every visit
Individualized treatment plans
Flexible scheduling
Care focused on helping you return to daily activities with confidence
Whether you're struggling to reach overhead, get dressed, or simply sleep comfortably, we're here to help you regain your shoulder mobility.
Schedule Your Frozen Shoulder Evaluation
If shoulder stiffness is limiting your daily life, don't wait for it to worsen.
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether frozen shoulder is causing your symptoms and learn how a personalized physical therapy program can help you recover safely.