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From Stiffness to Strength: The Role of Physiotherapy in Frozen Shoulder Recovery

  • June 30, 2025
  • Dean Phelps

Stuck with a shoulder that just won’t move and hurts like hell?

You’re not alone.

Frozen shoulder (aka adhesive capsulitis) can sneak up on you with no clear cause, especially if you’re between 40–60. One day you’re moving freely, the next you’re wincing just putting on a jacket. It’s frustrating, painful, and often misunderstood but with the right physio plan, you can absolutely take back control.

Let’s break it down — what it is, what to expect, and most importantly, how physio can get you moving again.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is when your shoulder joint becomes, well… frozen. It loses both active and passive movement (so even someone else moving it for you hurts) — and it’s not caused by any structural damage like a tear or arthritis. Sometimes it’s triggered after surgery or an injury, but often, it comes out of nowhere.

Common symptoms:

  • Intense stiffness

  • Pain that’s often worse at night

  • Loss of movement — especially external rotation (reaching out or behind you)

It affects around 2–5% of people and can last anywhere from 6 months to 11 years if left untreated (yep, you read that right). But that’s where physio comes in.

The 3 Phases of Frozen Shoulder (and How Physio Fits In)

 

🧊 1. Freezing Phase (2–9 months): Pain + Stiffness Begins

This is when the pain kicks in — usually sharp, especially at end range, and it often interrupts sleep.

What we do:

  • Gentle shoulder mobilisations (think pendulum swings, passive range-of-motion work)

  • Pain relief strategies like heat/ice

  • Education on posture, pacing, and what not to do (no aggressive stretching!)

❄️ 2. Frozen Phase (4–12 months): Movement Limits Set In

Pain begins to settle, but stiffness and loss of range get worse. This is when the shoulder feels locked up.

What we do:

  • Begin light strengthening (e.g. isometric exercises)

  • Target scapular control and shoulder blade stability

  • Introduce mobilisation with movement (MWMs), if tolerated

  • Continue flexibility work, always within comfort

🔥 3. Thawing Phase (5–24 months): Movement Returns

This is when you start to see the light. Movement improves, pain fades, and you can finally ramp up rehab.

What we do:

  • Progress resistance (bands, weights, functional strength training)

  • Stretching with longer holds to regain full range

  • Target rotator cuff, posture muscles, chest and deltoids

  • Use tools like pulleys and active range drills

Why Physio Matters (Now More Than Ever)

Without targeted intervention, frozen shoulder can linger for years or leave you with ongoing restrictions. At Fighting Fit, we don’t just ride it out. We get strategic: adapting your rehab to your phase, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Don’t tough it out solo.

If your shoulder’s feeling stuck, sore, or just not right, let’s get on top of it early. Book in with one of our physios and start your path from frozen to full strength.

Start your recovery today and have your frozen shoulder fixed the Fighting Fit way!

Dean Phelps

Dean is a registered Gold Coast Physiotherapist with undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Human Movement and Exercise Science. His background has developed his vision for Fighting Fit Physiotherapy to focus on optimal health and peak physical performance for every single patient. Utilising his many qualifications, in depth knowledge of the body and passion for exercise he can provide a holistic approach to your treatment and exercise prescription to get the best outcome.

PrevPreviousHip Pain Holding You Back? The Brutally Honest Truth About Surgery vs. Physio
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Contact Info

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is located at 3 / 25 Brendan Dr, Nerang, Gold Coast, QLD, 4211

Call Now: 0402 938 661

Email: admin@fightingfitphysio.com.au

About Us

At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we recognise the impacts that pain and dysfunction can have on one’s personal and professional life. We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health and well-being.

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Brenda Samosa profile picture
Brenda Samosa
05:52 07 Nov 24
I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)
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Cyana Ferguson
08:16 30 Oct 24
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Steve Harris
22:33 15 Oct 24
Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue
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Andrea Bell
05:33 19 Sep 24
These guys are the best in the biz 🎉
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Ryan Brockett
04:20 18 Sep 24
Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
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Scotty
08:31 31 Jul 24
Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.
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Riley Wilson
08:27 14 Jul 24
Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.
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Megan Shelley
06:51 03 May 24
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!
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Gina Matthews
08:41 24 Mar 23
Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much
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Courtney Halse
01:36 29 Nov 22
Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!
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Alli Davenport
08:07 04 Nov 22
After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's
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Robert Parkinson
10:50 15 Aug 22
This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.
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Kiri Canavan
07:30 08 Jun 22
Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the exceptional care that awaits you.

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘Fighting Fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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Proudly Serving The Gold Coast for over 12 years.

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
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  • Tele Health
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  • VO2 Max Test
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  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
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  • Physiotherapy
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  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
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  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

OPENING HOURS

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Saturday  CLOSED
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Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

GOLD COAST PHYSIO

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

Privacy Policy

Terms Of Use

Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Follow us on social

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OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
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  • VO2 Max Test
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  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
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  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
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  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

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Monday6:30am–8:00pm
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Saturday  CLOSED
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