TIPS, ADVICE AND TREATMENT FOR YOUR FROZEN SHOULDER

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Central London

Has your shoulder gradually become painful, stiff and increasingly difficult to move?

Frozen shoulder can make simple everyday tasks surprisingly challenging. Reaching into cupboards, fastening a bra, putting on a coat, lifting shopping or even sleeping comfortably can become frustrating and painful.

Whether your symptoms started gradually or appeared after an injury or period of shoulder immobility, our multidisciplinary team can help you understand what’s happening and discuss the treatment options available.

✅ Same-Day Appointments Available
✅ Open 6 Days a Week
✅ Osteopathy, Physiotherapy & Soft Tissue Therapies
✅ Hundreds of Five-Star Google Reviews

Book Your Appointment Today

Book Your Appointment Call: 020 7739 5666

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For more than 30 years we’ve helped office workers, runners, gym-goers, busy parents and retirees across Central London find relief from pain and return to normal activities.

What Our Patients Say

400+ Five-Star Reviews on Google

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“I’d been to three different physios before finding this place. Fabio figured out what was wrong in the first session – a problem with my SI joint that nobody else had spotted. After six weeks I was back running. Worth every penny.”

— Mark T., City Worker

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“Brought my colicky baby to see Diluka on a friend’s recommendation. The difference after cranial osteopathy was remarkable – he’s sleeping through now and the crying has stopped. I was sceptical at first but I’m completely converted.”

— Sarah L., New Mum

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“Years of desk work had left me with constant neck pain and headaches. David’s combination of osteopathy and Pilates exercises has genuinely changed my life. I actually enjoy sitting at my desk now – never thought I’d say that!”

— Rachel K., Software Developer

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, sometimes called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and progressive loss of shoulder movement.

The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes painful, thickened and tight, making movement increasingly difficult.

Many people notice:

Pain around the shoulder or upper arm
Difficulty reaching overhead
Difficulty reaching behind the back
Pain when dressing
Difficulty washing or grooming
Night pain and disturbed sleep
Progressive loss of movement

Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and often progresses through different stages before eventually improving.

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Is Frozen Shoulder Affecting Your Daily Activities?

Frozen shoulder can make many everyday tasks more difficult than people realise.

Many patients tell us they struggle with:

Putting on jackets or coats
Fastening a seatbelt
Reaching kitchen cupboards
Washing or brushing their hair
Sleeping on the affected side
Exercise and sport
Lifting objects overhead
Working comfortably

Over time, frustration and reduced confidence can become as troublesome as the shoulder pain itself.

Our goal is to help you regain mobility, reduce discomfort and return to normal daily activities.

Our Approach

How We Treat Frozen Shoulder

Every frozen shoulder is different.

Some people seek treatment during the painful early stages, while others are primarily affected by stiffness and restricted movement.

Treatment recommendations will depend on your symptoms, lifestyle and stage of recovery.

Osteopathy

Hands-on treatment may help improve mobility in the shoulder, neck and upper back while encouraging more comfortable movement.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, improving strength and guiding rehabilitation throughout recovery.

Sports Massage

Sports massage may help reduce tension in surrounding muscles that are working harder to compensate for restricted shoulder movement.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu may help promote relaxation and ease muscular tension associated with chronic shoulder pain.

Clinical Pilates

Pilates can help improve posture, upper body mobility and movement confidence during recovery.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine incl. Tui Na combines traditional Chinese manual therapy techniques designed to improve comfort and encourage mobility.

From Constant Back Pain To Moving Freely Again

REDUCE PAIN LEVELS

IMPROVE MOBILITY

REDUCE MEDICATION

Many people come to us after weeks, months or even years of struggling with lower back pain.

They’ve often tried resting, stretching, medication or simply hoping the problem would go away on its own.

Through a combination of hands-on treatment, personalised exercises, movement advice and ongoing support, many are able to return to work, exercise and everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Everyone’s journey is different, but helping people regain freedom of movement is what we strive to achieve every day

See more patient success stories →

SHOULDER PAINS We Treat

Common Frozen Shoulder Symptoms We Help With

Our practitioners regularly see people experiencing:

Shoulder pain
Gradually worsening stiffness
Difficulty reaching overhead
Difficulty reaching behind the back
Pain when dressing
Pain while sleeping
Shoulder pain extending into the upper arm
Reduced shoulder mobility
Post-injury shoulder stiffness
Frozen shoulder linked to diabetes
Long-standing shoulder restriction

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All our osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and most major health insurers.

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Finding the BEST TREATMENT FOR FROZEN SHOULDER

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right For You?

Many people contact us unsure whether they need osteopathy, physiotherapy, sports massage or another form of treatment.

That’s completely normal.

Our practitioners will listen carefully to your symptoms, explain their findings in plain English and help guide you towards the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual circumstances.

Why Choose Us?

Established 1991 – over 30 years serving London

400+ five-star Google reviews

Trusted by Olympic Champions

Open 6 days a week

Emergency appointments available

Registered with most major health insurers

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder

What is frozen shoulder?

Many people choose osteopathy for lower back pain because it combines hands-on treatment with advice on movement, posture and self-management.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

While a short period of rest may help during severe flare-ups, prolonged bed rest is often unhelpful and gentle movement is generally encouraged.

Can osteopathy help frozen shoulder?

The number of sessions varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your condition, how long you’ve had it, your general health, lifestyle, and how your body responds to treatment.

Some acute problems, such as a recent back strain or neck spasm, may improve significantly within one or two sessions.

More persistent issues, such as chronic back pain, sciatica, recurring headaches or long-standing sports injuries, often benefit from a course of treatment over several weeks.

At your first appointment, we’ll carry out a thorough assessment and give you an honest estimate of how many sessions we believe are likely to help.

We regularly review your progress and adjust our recommendations accordingly.

Our aim is not simply to provide temporary relief, but to identify and address the underlying causes of your symptoms, helping you achieve lasting improvements and reduce the likelihood of the problem returning.

Can osteopathy help frozen shoulder?

If symptoms are persistent, recurring or affecting your quality of life, professional assessment may be beneficial.

Should I exercise with frozen shoulder?

Many private health insurance providers offer cover for osteopathic treatment, and most of our osteopaths are registered with the major UK insurers. However, the level of cover can vary depending on your provider and the details of your policy.

We recommend checking with your insurer before booking to confirm your eligibility, any treatment limits, and whether a GP or specialist referral is required. Some policies allow you to book directly, while others may have specific requirements before treatment begins.

We are happy to provide receipts and any supporting documentation needed to help you make a claim. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers osteopathy, our reception team will be pleased to help point you in the right direction.

Many patients choose osteopathy for common conditions such as back pain, neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries and sciatica, and treatment may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your level of cover.

Why is frozen shoulder worse at night?

Yes. Some lower back conditions can cause symptoms that travel into the buttock, thigh or leg.
Most commonly: Sciatica (See Sciatica page)

Is frozen shoulder permanent?

Frozen shoulder is usually not permanent, and many people regain substantial movement over time.
Frozen shoulders can usually improve with some structural treatments mentioned on this page, sometimes combined with sports massage, acupuncture, Chinese medicine or shiatsu.

Self-Help Tips for Frozen Shoulder

Keep The Shoulder Moving

While movement may feel uncomfortable, complete avoidance often allows stiffness to increase further.

Use The Arm Normally Where Possible

Continue using the shoulder for gentle everyday activities within comfortable limits.

Don’t Push Through Severe Pain

Gentle stretching can be helpful, but forcing movement aggressively may aggravate symptoms.

Apply Heat Before Exercise

Many people find a warm shower or heat pack helps reduce stiffness before stretching.

Prioritise Sleep Comfort

Try supporting the affected arm with a pillow when sleeping.

Gentle Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder exercises should be performed gently. Mild stretching discomfort may be expected, but exercises should not significantly aggravate symptoms.

Pendulum Exercise

Lean forward and support yourself with one hand.
Allow the affected arm to hang freely.
Gently move the arm in small circles.
Continue for 30-60 seconds.

Wall Walks

Face a wall.
Slowly walk your fingers up the wall.
Go as high as comfortable.
Repeat 10 times.

Towel Stretch

Hold a towel behind your back with both hands.
Use the unaffected arm to gently assist movement.
Hold briefly and repeat.

Cross-Body Stretch

Bring the affected arm gently across your chest.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat several times.

BACK PAIN STOPS HERE

Ready to Start Your Frozen Shoulder Recovery?

You don’t have to continue struggling with shoulder pain and stiffness alone.

Whether your symptoms have recently started or have been affecting you for months, our experienced team can help you understand what’s happening and discuss the treatment options available.

Appointments are available seven days a week, including same-day appointments whenever possible.