Frozen Shoulder: What, Why, and How?

Dr. Jill Trato, PT, DPT, NCS
Updated August 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Frozen Shoulder: What, Why, and How?

Frozen Shoulder

What? – is it
Why? – did it freeze
How? – to thaw it

Frozen shoulder refers to adhesive capsulitis. What is it? A condition where the joint capsule starts to get thick, tight and “freezes” up. It becomes painful to lift the arm out away from the body. The position of comfort becomes your arm sucked into your side as if in a sling. Tightness and adhesions develop throughout the armpit and shoulder blade making it even harder and more painful to lift the arm.

Why did it freeze? A variety of reasons can lead to a frozen shoulder but all are related to a trauma of some kind. Physical trauma such as a broken arm, surgery, or other injuries can cause it. But also mental trauma, anxiety, and stressful events of life contribute as well. Emotional turmoil, chaos, grief, fear also all contribute. These mental and emotional traumas get lodged in the body and tissues blocking energy and fluid flow through body parts. These blockages lead to myofascial restrictions, muscle and fascia getting tightly bound down. For the frozen shoulder a lot of these restrictions are in the armpit and shoulder blade.

The Chakras, or energy centers, related to frozen shoulder are the Heart Chakra and
Throat Chakra. The Heart Chakra relates to love, compassion, forgiveness, non-judgement. The Throat Chakra relates to speaking your truth, telling your story, expressing yourself and feelings, being heard, and listening. A frozen shoulder may manifest when there are mental and emotional issues related to these aspects. Bringing an awareness to these aspects can help unlock or “thaw” your shoulder as you begin to address the underlying issues.

How to thaw it? Stimulate movement, stimulate energy and flow through all the parts
connected to the shoulder. If the shoulder is having a hard time, let the rest of the body help it out. Get all the parts of the body that are connected to the shoulder to move better and life will get easier for the shoulder.

So what’s connected to the shoulder?
Everything…the whole body,
all of you. Its all connected.

Get all the parts above the shoulder moving well, your neck and upper back. Get the
shoulder blades moving again. Also get the spine below the shoulders moving, the pelvis, hips, and legs. They are all connected and can help the shoulder. Reflect and consider what mental and emotional factors might play into your shoulder becoming frozen.

Embrace and face these factors because as you do it will help your shoulder
find relief and the release to free up your motion.

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Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing pain, or working toward better mobility and function, Kineci Health & Movement Center provides personalized physical therapy based on your individual needs and goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer physical therapy evaluations for shoulder pain in Santa Barbara? +
Yes. Kineci Health & Movement Center provides individualized physical therapy for people experiencing shoulder pain and other movement limitations in Santa Barbara. An evaluation allows your physical therapist to assess your mobility, strength, movement patterns, and symptoms and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
When should I see a physical therapist for shoulder pain? +
Consider seeing a physical therapist if shoulder pain is persistent, keeps returning, limits your movement or daily activities, interferes with sleep, or isn't improving on its own. A physical therapist can evaluate how your shoulder and the rest of your body are moving and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
What exercises are good for shoulder pain? +
Gentle mobility and movement exercises may help with some types of shoulder pain, but the right exercises depend on what is causing your symptoms. Because the shoulder moves in multiple planes and works together with the rest of the body, exercises should address your individual mobility, strength, and movement needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all routine.
What causes shoulder pain at night? +
Shoulder pain at night can have several causes, including irritation of the muscles, tendons, or other structures around the shoulder. Sleeping position and pressure on the affected shoulder may also make symptoms more noticeable. Persistent or worsening nighttime pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can physical therapy help with shoulder pain? +
Yes. Physical therapy can help address shoulder pain by identifying the movement patterns, strength limitations, mobility restrictions, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. At Kineci, treatment looks beyond just the shoulder to consider how the rest of the body may be affecting movement and function.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual needs and conditions vary. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual condition and before beginning any treatment, rehabilitation, or exercise program.

About the Author

Dr. Jill Trato, PT, DPT, NCS

Dr. Jill Trato, PT, DPT, NCS is a board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with over 22 years of experience. She specializes in vestibular and neurological rehabilitation, balance disorders, concussion, stroke, chronic pain, and orthopedic conditions. Her approach combines advanced training in rehabilitation, manual therapy, and movement science to help patients move with greater confidence and return to the activities they love.

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