Why is my shoulder so stiff?

What a stiff shoulder feels like

A stiff shoulder makes everyday reaching hard. You might struggle to fasten a bra, comb your hair, or reach a back pocket.

One common cause is frozen shoulder, where the joint slowly tightens and hurts, then eases over a long time. Stiffness can also come from wear, an old injury, or holding the arm still to avoid pain.

The more the arm is protected and left unmoved, the tighter it tends to get. This is why guided, gentle movement matters so much.

What a physiotherapist works on

Our physiotherapist first works out why the shoulder is stiff and how far it can move without harm. That guides everything else.

Treatment usually blends gentle hands-on movement with a set of home stretches that reach a little further each week. We keep the range you have and slowly ask for more.

We also look at the neck, upper back and posture, since these often add to shoulder trouble. The plan is paced so the joint opens up without a painful setback.

Keeping the shoulder moving at home

Short bouts of gentle movement through the day beat one long painful session. A warm shower before stretching often makes the arm easier to move.

Simple pendulum swings and wall reaches keep the joint from locking up. We show the family exactly how far to go and when to stop.

Sleeping can be hard with a sore shoulder. A pillow to support the arm often helps, and we can suggest a position that suits you.

When to see a doctor first

Most stiff shoulders respond well to patient physiotherapy, but some need a doctor first. See one if the stiffness followed a hard fall or a wrench, as the joint may be injured.

Get urgent help if the arm is weak and numb, or if the shoulder looks out of shape after an accident.

Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes, so it is worth mentioning your health history. We will guide you on the right order of steps.