Frozen shoulder release

Rehabilitation programme following frozen shoulder release, with early aggressive range of motion and progressive strengthening.

Typical timeframe: Return to contact sport from ~6 months

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Phase 01 · Weeks 0 – 6

0 – 6 weeks after surgery

Wear sling when walking or travelling.
Full active and passive forward elevation, external and internal rotation.
Otherwise remove sling with arm supported on a chair, table or pillow; the hand can be used for eating, computer and paperwork etc.
Isometric shoulder muscle exercises including deltoid and scapula stabilizers (except subscapularis).
Elbow, wrist and hand exercises 3 times a day.

Phase 02 · Weeks 6 – 9

6 – 9 weeks after surgery

No more sling except if in a busy or crowded rowdy situation.
Begin active and passive stretches concentrating on external and internal rotation and forward flexion, progressing to circumferential shoulder motion.
Commence theraband strengthening with arm at side (i.e. internal and external rotation).

Phase 03 · Weeks 9 – 12

Continue to stretch to achieve 90% of opposite-side external rotation.
Commence abduction with arm in internal rotation, progressing to neutral.
Commence light weights and weight endurance training. NO external rotation past 0° in 90° abduction.

Phase 04 · Weeks 12 – 24

Increase weight and endurance exercises.
Increase terminal stretch with arm to 90° external rotation in 90° abduction at 20 weeks.
May resume contact sports when normal scapulo-thoracic rhythm and normal strength compared to the other arm are achieved at 6 months after surgery.

Last reviewed: 2025-10-15.