Who gets frozen shoulder
Most common in adults 40–60. Higher risk with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and after a period of immobilization (post-surgical, post-injury, even a long sling). Often comes on with no obvious trigger.
Conditions We Treat
Frozen Shoulder Physical Therapy in Washington DC and Bethesda
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is its own thing — different from rotator cuff problems and impingement. The capsule of the shoulder thickens and tightens, severely restricting motion. It has a predictable course (freezing → frozen → thawing) over 12–24 months. PT shortens the course and dramatically reduces pain along the way.
Phase 1 — Freezing (months 0–6)
Pain dominates. Motion progressively decreases. The goal here is pain control and gentle pain-free motion — pushing into pain in this phase typically backfires. Manual therapy is conservative; the right kind of stretching at the right intensity matters more than how aggressive the program is.
Phase 2 — Frozen (months 6–12)
Pain settles. Motion is severely limited. This is the right window for more aggressive manual therapy and stretching. Joint mobilization, capsular stretching, and structured home program drive most of the recovery here.
Phase 3 — Thawing (months 12–24)
Motion gradually returns. Strengthening and return-to-function work. Most patients regain functional motion, though some retain mild end-range stiffness long-term.
Treatment approach
Phase-appropriate manual therapy, structured home stretching program, pain modulation strategies, and coordination with your physician if injections or hydrodilatation are being considered. We're realistic about timelines — this is a long condition, but PT meaningfully shortens it and reduces suffering.
Costs, insurance, locations
Medicare, CareFirst, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare. Self-pay $150. Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home.
Ready to start?
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book a Frozen Shoulder EvalFrequently asked questions
How long does frozen shoulder take to resolve?
Total natural history is 12–24 months. With PT, most patients regain most of their motion by 9–15 months and feel meaningfully better much earlier than that.
Will PT make it worse in the early phase?
Aggressive stretching in the freezing phase can flare it. We respect the phase you're in — gentle, pain-free motion early, more assertive work once you've moved into the frozen phase.
Should I get an injection?
An intra-articular corticosteroid injection during the freezing phase can meaningfully reduce pain and accelerate progress. We coordinate with your physician if that's on the table.
What about manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)?
Reserved for patients who don't progress with conservative care after 6+ months. Most patients don't need it.
Will I get my full motion back?
Most patients regain functional motion. Some mild end-range stiffness can persist long-term but rarely affects daily activities.