Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint wrapped in a flexible capsule. With frozen shoulders, this capsule thickens, tightens, and develops scar tissue, restricting movement.

Your body compounds this by flooding the area with inflammatory chemicals that worsen night pain and cause heat/swelling, while nearby overworked muscles (like the rotator cuff and trapezius) create secondary spasms and referred pain into your neck and upper arm. It’s a perfect storm of structural changes and nervous system responses that makes even simple motions feel impossible.

The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder (And What to Do in Each)

1. Freezing Stage: “Why Does My Shoulder Hurt So Much?”
   • Symptoms: Increasing pain (especially at night), slow loss of motion
   • Physio Focus: Pain relief with gentle mobilizations, heat therapy
2. Frozen Stage: “Why Can’t I Move My Arm?”
   • Symptoms: Less pain but severe stiffness
   • Physio Focus: Stretching & joint mobilizations 
3. Thawing Stage: “Finally, Some Relief!”
   • Symptoms: Gradual return of motion
   • Physio Focus: Strengthening & preventing recurrence

When Do You Feel Pain with Frozen Shoulder? 

Frozen shoulder pain follows a predictable pattern, often worsening during:

1. Nighttime & Rest
   • Why? Inactivity allows joint stiffness to intensify.
   • What our patients say: “I wake up at 3 AM every night with a deep ache.”
2. Specific Movements
   • Reaching overhead (e.g., grabbing a shelf)
   • Rotating inward (e.g., fastening a bra or tucking in a shirt)
   • Reaching behind (e.g., scratching your back)
3. Unexpected Triggers
   • Sudden jolts (e.g., catching a falling object)
   • Cold weather (joints often stiffen in cooler temps)

Why It Hurts More at Certain Times

Who’s at Risk?

• People aged 40-60
• Those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or past shoulder injuries
• Individuals recovering from heart disease or stroke

Many of our patients in Malaysia don’t realize their stiff shoulder is treatable – until they try physiotherapy.

How Physiotherapy at TAGS Helps Frozen Shoulder

Our certified physiotherapists in Malaysia use evidence-based techniques:

✅ Manual Therapy – Gentle joint mobilizations to loosen stiffness
✅ Therapeutic Exercises – Pendulum swings, towel stretches, and rotator cuff strengthening
✅ Pain Management – Ultrasound therapy or electrotherapy if needed
✅ Home Care Plan – Simple exercises to speed up recovery

We’ve helped hundreds in Kuala Lumpur recover faster than ‘waiting it out’ – often with significant improvement in 6-12 weeks.

5 Gentle Exercises to Try at Home

1. Pendulum Swings – Lean forward, let arm hang, and gently swing in circles
2. Towel Stretch – Hold a towel behind your back and gently pull upward
3. Cross-Body Reach – Use your good arm to lift the affected one
4. Doorway Stretch – Place hands on door frame and lean forward
5. Wall Crawls – Slowly “walk” fingers up a wall

Note: Stop if pain exceeds 3/10. For personalized guidance, consult our team.

When Should I See a Physiotherapist

Don’t wait months hoping it’ll improve. Early intervention leads to faster recovery. Seek help if:

🔴 Pain disrupts sleep for >2 weeks
🔴 Difficulty washing hair or reaching behind your back
🔴 Stiffness persists beyond 6 weeks

Why Choose TAGS Chiropractic & Rehab?

At our center, we combine:

• Physiotherapy + Chiropractic Care – For whole-body recovery
• Personalized Plans – No two shoulders are alike
• Experienced Team – Specialized in stubborn musculoskeletal cases

We listen first – because your pain story matters.

Take the First Step Toward a Freer Shoulder

📞 Call TAGS at +6012 217 3788

Let’s thaw that frozen shoulder together – so you can reach, hug, and live without limitations again.