Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Nevada City & Grass Valley

by dr. tristan ginkel d.c frcms

If your shoulder has become stiff, painful, and harder to move over time, you may be experiencing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).

Many people describe it as:

• A deep ache that won’t go away

• Difficulty reaching overhead or behind their back

• Pain that interrupts sleep

• A shoulder that feels “locked” or stuck

At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we help patients throughout Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Nevada County restore motion, reduce pain, and return to normal life with evidence-based treatment for frozen shoulder.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. As this tissue stiffens, the shoulder gradually loses both:

• Active motion (what you can move yourself)

• Passive motion (what someone else can move for you)

Unlike a strain or tendon injury, this condition develops slowly and affects the joint’s ability to glide and rotate normally.

Frozen shoulder affects about 2–5% of adults, but risk increases significantly for people with:

• Diabetes

• Thyroid conditions

• Autoimmune disorders

• Recent surgery or injury requiring arm immobilization

Most cases occur between ages 40–65 and are more common in women. Frozen_Shoulder_Blog_Post.docx

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses over 15–24 months, moving through three phases.

Stage 1: Freezing (0–6 months)

• Increasing pain, especially at end ranges

• Night pain or sleep disruption

• Gradual loss of motion

• Difficulty with daily tasks like reaching, dressing, or seatbelt use

Stage 2: Frozen (6–15 months)

• Pain may improve slightly

• Stiffness becomes the main problem

• Shoulder feels tight or blocked

Stage 3: Thawing (15–24 months)

• Pain continues to decrease

• Motion slowly returns

• Rehab is critical to avoid long-term stiffness

Understanding your stage helps us match treatment to your shoulder’s current tolerance. Frozen_Shoulder_Blog_Post.docx

How Frozen Shoulder Is Diagnosed

There is no single test. Diagnosis is based on:

Typical findings

• Age 40–65

• Gradual onset

• Significant loss of external rotation

• Global stiffness

At Radius, your evaluation includes:

• Movement testing

• Strength assessment

• Mobility screening

• Functional limitations

• Review of imaging (if available)

Treatment: Matching Care to Your Shoulder’s Irritability

One of the biggest mistakes with frozen shoulder is doing too much too soon — or not doing enough when the shoulder is ready.

We match treatment intensity to how reactive your tissues are:

The Recovery Process at Radius

Early Phase

• Education (reduces fear and protective guarding)

• Gentle mobility exercises

• Pendulums, wall slides, short stretches

• Prevents further stiffness

Intermediate Phase

• Longer stretching

• Assisted movement with tools (cane, pulleys)

• Moderate joint mobilization

• Gradual motion gains

Advanced Phase

• Rotator cuff and shoulder strengthening

• Functional movement training

• Return to work, lifting, or sport

Our goal isn’t just motion — it’s confidence and function.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without guided rehab, frozen shoulder can lead to:

• Long-term stiffness

• Loss of strength

• Compensation patterns

• Delayed recovery

Early evaluation helps:

• Confirm the diagnosis

• Set realistic expectations

• Prevent unnecessary imaging or procedures

• Start the right plan for your stage

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Nevada County

If you’re searching for:

• Frozen shoulder treatment Nevada City

• Physical rehabilitation for frozen shoulder Grass Valley

• Shoulder stiffness treatment near me

• Adhesive capsulitis rehab Nevada County

Our team specializes in shoulder rehabilitation and stage-based recovery planning.

We treat patients throughout:

• Nevada City

• Grass Valley

• Penn Valley

• Auburn

• Truckee

• Greater Nevada County

Schedule your frozen shoulder evaluation today at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab and get a personalized recovery plan based on your stage and goals.
Book online to see available appointments, if you don’t see a time that works for you, Call or text: (530) 955-0065 and let our front desk work their scheduling magic!

📍 Radius Physical + Sports Rehab
Nevada City & Grass Valley
📞 (530) 955-0065
Book online anytime.