“Is it better to rest or exercise a frozen shoulder?”

I would suggest getting some therapy either chiropractic or physical therapy. You need to get motion into the joint!

Gentle range of motion, physical therapy. ice, alternate warm moist heat. may look up frozen shoulder exercises online.

Frozen Shoulder (or also called adhesive capsulitis) often occurs when there is inflammation on or around the rotator cuff muscles and tendons (the soft tissue structures that help control and move your shoulder in so many different directions). This inflammation can be due to short or long term tendinitis, a small or large rotator cuff tear, or other structural abnormality like arthritis or degeneration in the tissues, bones, or cartilage in the shoulder region. It even can be due to a functional imbalance of the muscular strength and coordination about the shoulder girdle. Sometimes, frozen shoulder can be associated with conditions like thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, pregnancy. Often it can be due to getting an injury or having shoulder symptoms and not using the arm, then leading to the shoulder "freezing" in its position. Initially this can result in a painful loss of range of motion that can take a long time to recover. The best treatment usually is to be seen and evaluated by physician specializing in this area like a Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Physician. The doctor will assess if physician directed exercises, medications, topical treaments, acupuncture, injections or even physical therapy are appropriate for your specific case. Often a balance of rest and mobility are key to recovery. We are experienced in determining the right balance for you.

the typical approach to treating frozen shoulder is progressive mobilization usually with the help and expertise of a physical therapist and an ongoing home exercise program

Proper exercise selection or prescription will always answer this question best. A quality treatment plan and a rehab program that follows progressive overload and takes pain tolerance into account will be most beneficial.

Stretching is critical for a frozen shoulder. This disease is self-limiting meaning it normally gets better on its own however this can take up to 12-24 months. Not moving the shoulder leads to increased stiffness. It is important to try and maintain range of motion so your shoulder does not get more stiff.