“Will frozen shoulder heal without physical therapy?”

A frozen shoulder means you have decreased range of motion in your shoulder with active and passive range of motion. Active range of motion is when you try to move your shoulder on your own and passive range of motion is when someone else tries to move your shoulder. Physical therapy is by far the best treatment for a frozen shoulder. I would recommend starting it as soon as possible. It can sometimes be painful, so you might need to take anti-inflammatories before and after physical therapy and apply ice to help decrease the inflammation. Part of the therapy is to break up the tissue that has Become stuck together in the shoulder. You can also treat this with steroid injections. Steroid injections helped to decrease the pain but also helped increase range of motion by decreasing the inflammation. They allow you to tolerate more during physical therapy.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that results in the loss of the normal range of motion in the affected shoulder. It can be painful, rigid and disabling. It generally affects women more than men (in the age group of 40 to 60). Left untreated, a frozen shoulder gets worse and ultimately results in the disability of the affected shoulder. You should see a physiatrist (a PM&R specialist) who can assist you in treatment and send you to the right therapist for continued care.

Yes, frozen shoulder will heal with physical therapy, but it is a gradual process. Be patient and do the exercises!

Frozen shoulders usually get better with time, but it may take up to 2 years. Physical therapy should speed that up a great deal.

100%? No, unlikely. Frozen shoulder can take up to 2 years. Don’t wait, these are frustrating injuries. Shoulders are very important. Get treated.

To answer your question, Yes. It will heal as it is a self limiting pathology. With that said, Physical Therapy could help ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process. Good luck.

Hi
Yes it will but the range of motion will still be affected. PT will help with both pain relief and bringing the range of motion back.
Regards
Dr. Ramky Kavaserry DPT

There are some studies that show it may heal on its own. However, it can take a weeks, months, to years. Don’t expect to have full range of motion. My advice is to undergo physical therapy. Have your therapist show you activities you can do on your own. You may benefit from going 1x/week to get hands-on physical therapy as well. Speak to your therapist in developing a plan of care that is right for you.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT Lic#40QA01212000