Research shows that frozen shoulder affects up to 13.4% of adults, with the condition being most prevalent among those aged 40-60. The three-stage progression can last anywhere from six months to three years, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we offer non-surgical, physician-guided care throughout the Atlanta area. Our expert pain management team helps patients heal faster through targeted interventions tailored to each stage of frozen shoulder recovery.
While small lifestyle adjustments can help you stay comfortable, they are not a replacement for treatment. Recovering quickly and completely requires both expert intervention and supportive daily routines, working together.
Why Frozen Shoulder Demands Professional Treatment
Frozen shoulder develops when the joint capsule surrounding your shoulder becomes inflamed, stiff, and thickened, limiting motion and causing pain. The condition worsens over time in three stages:
- Freezing: Increasing pain and decreased range of motion
- Frozen: Stiffness becomes the primary issue
- Thawing: Slow and incomplete return of mobility
Without medical care, frozen shoulder can take up to 3 years to resolve, and sometimes never fully heals. That’s why it's essential to see a specialist early, before scar tissue and stiffness become severe.
Why Professional Treatment Is Essential
Although at-home modifications can offer comfort, frozen shoulder often requires medical intervention to effectively reduce inflammation and restore movement. Ignoring the condition or relying solely on self-care may prolong recovery and increase stiffness.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, all treatments for frozen shoulder are non-surgical and grounded in advanced interventional pain medicine. These physician-led procedures are essential to reduce pain and stiffness, and they form the foundation of effective recovery.
Cervical & Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injections
At The Physicians, corticosteroid injections are delivered with fluoroscopic precision into the cervical or thoracic spine to reduce nerve inflammation that may be contributing to shoulder pain or limiting mobility. These targeted epidural injections relieve pressure from pinched nerves, helping to:
- Ease radiating pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Support improved shoulder function during recovery
These injections are a key part of many non-surgical care plans and are performed in licensed, accredited facilities for your safety
Tenex Health TX® System
When frozen shoulder overlaps with tendon damage or calcific buildup, the Tenex Health TX® System may be used to address the underlying soft tissue issue. This minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided treatment breaks down and removes unhealthy tissue to relieve pain and restore mobility, all without surgery
Nerve Blocks
For patients experiencing nerve-related shoulder pain, targeted nerve blocks can temporarily disrupt pain signals. This allows for:
- Greater comfort
- Improved ability to participate in daily activities
- A better range of motion during recovery
These treatments are the core of successful recovery. Daily adjustments may help with comfort, but they will not resolve frozen shoulders on their own.
6 Practical Tips to Support Your Recovery
These strategies are designed to complement your medical treatment, helping you stay comfortable between appointments and make daily tasks more manageable.
1. Sleep Positioning for Pain-Free Nights
Quality sleep is essential for healing, yet frozen shoulder pain often intensifies at night. To reduce discomfort:
- Sleep on your unaffected side with a pillow supporting your painful arm across your chest.
- Use a wedge pillow behind your back to prevent rolling onto the affected side.
- Apply gentle heat for 10–15 minutes before bed to loosen stiff tissues and improve relaxation.
2. Workplace Modifications
Make your work environment frozen shoulder-friendly with these simple adjustments:
- Keep frequently used items at waist level to avoid overhead reaching.
- Position your monitor at eye level and use an ergonomic chair or armrest for better support.
- Take gentle movement breaks every 30 minutes to keep your shoulders from stiffening.
3. Use Atlanta’s Climate to Your Advantage
Metro Atlanta’s weather can be helpful, but it can also pose challenges. Adapt accordingly:
- Use warm compresses before activity to increase flexibility, especially in cooler months.
- During hot and humid periods, apply cold packs after exertion to calm inflammation.
- Stay well-hydrated and wear breathable clothing to manage joint sensitivity in high humidity.
4. Gentle Mobility Exercises
As part of your non-surgical treatment plan, your provider may guide you through low-intensity range-of-motion routines, such as:
- Pendulum Swings – Gently swing your arm in small circles while leaning forward
- Wall Slides – Use your fingers to walk your hand slowly up a wall
- Cross-Body Stretches – Lightly pull the affected arm across your chest
Always warm up first and stop if you feel sharp pain. Consistency, not intensity, is key to progress.
5. Dressing Made Easier
Getting dressed doesn’t need to be a daily challenge. A few simple choices can make a big difference:
- Choose front-closing shirts and jackets instead of overhead pullovers.
- Dress your affected arm first to reduce awkward movements.
- Use tools like button hooks, zipper pulls, or elastic waistbands to minimize reaching and strain.
6. Modify Household Activities
Everyday tasks can put unexpected pressure on your healing shoulder. Reduce strain by:
- Storing items you use often at waist or hip height
- Pushing rather than pulling objects whenever possible (like sliding laundry baskets)
- Breaking large tasks into manageable steps with short rests in between
Partnering With Atlanta’s Leading Pain Specialists
You don’t have to endure months or years of frozen shoulder pain. At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our nonsurgical treatments, like epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and image-guided pain relief procedures, are designed to help you heal faster, reduce reliance on medication, and return to your daily life with improved function and less pain.
Serving locations across Sandy Springs, Stockbridge, Marietta, Calhoun, Rome, and Duluth, we make timely, expert care accessible. Most new patients are seen within 72 hours.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Daily modifications can help, but lasting improvement often requires professional care. If you’re experiencing prolonged pain or stiffness, schedule a consultation today and start a customized treatment plan built for recovery—without surgery.
Book an appointment or call (770) 679-7000 to speak with our expert team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for frozen shoulder modifications to show results?
Most patients notice some improvement in pain levels within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily modifications. However, full recovery can take 12-18 months, with each stage requiring different approaches to activity modification.
What sleeping position is the worst for a frozen shoulder?
Sleeping on the affected side or on your stomach creates the most problems. These positions compress the shoulder joint and often lead to increased morning stiffness and pain.
Can I continue exercising with a frozen shoulder?
Yes, but exercise routines must be significantly modified. Focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises rather than strength training. Avoid overhead movements, heavy lifting, and any activity that causes sharp pain.
When should I seek professional treatment for frozen shoulders?
If daily modifications don't provide relief within 6-8 weeks, or if pain interferes with sleep and basic activities, professional evaluation is recommended. Early intervention can significantly reduce recovery time.
