Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by progressive shoulder pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. It often develops gradually and may significantly interfere with everyday activities such as dressing, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably.

At Relief Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care focused on relieving pain, restoring shoulder mobility, improving function, and helping patients recover through individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.

Conveniently located in the heart of Myeongdong, our clinic welcomes both local residents and international patients seeking expert orthopedic care in Seoul.

Relief Orthopedics

9, Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

Common Frozen Shoulder Conditions We Treat

• Primary frozen shoulder
• Secondary frozen shoulder
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Painful stage (Freezing stage)
• Stiff stage (Frozen stage)
• Recovery stage (Thawing stage)
• Post-surgical shoulder stiffness
• Post-traumatic shoulder stiffness
• Diabetic frozen shoulder
• Chronic shoulder stiffness
• Limited shoulder mobility
• Shoulder capsule tightness
• Painful shoulder movement
• Shoulder joint contracture
• Recurrent shoulder stiffness

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Many patients notice symptoms gradually worsening over several months.

Common symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain
• Progressive shoulder stiffness
• Difficulty raising the arm
• Pain when reaching overhead
• Pain while dressing
• Difficulty fastening a bra or reaching behind the back
• Night shoulder pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
• Shoulder weakness due to limited movement
• Pain during daily activities
• Loss of shoulder flexibility

Our Comprehensive Frozen Shoulder Treatments

Orthopedic Evaluation

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination to assess shoulder mobility, pain, and the stage of frozen shoulder. X-rays or other imaging studies may be recommended to rule out other shoulder conditions.

Personalized Physical Therapy

Customized rehabilitation programs focus on restoring shoulder mobility, reducing stiffness, improving flexibility, and gradually increasing range of motion.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on orthopedic therapy helps mobilize the shoulder joint, reduce capsular tightness, improve flexibility, and restore normal shoulder movement.

Therapeutic Exercise Programs

Individualized stretching and strengthening exercises help improve shoulder mobility while maintaining muscle strength throughout recovery.

Lifestyle & Activity Education

Our specialists provide guidance on safe shoulder movements, home exercise programs, posture, and activity modifications to support recovery and prevent further stiffness.

Shockwave Therapy

In selected patients, shockwave therapy may help relieve chronic shoulder pain and improve soft tissue healing as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections

For patients with persistent pain and inflammation, ultrasound-guided injections allow accurate medication delivery into the shoulder joint while minimizing injury to surrounding tissues.

Image-Guided Pain Management

When conservative treatment alone is insufficient, image-guided procedures may reduce pain and facilitate rehabilitation, allowing patients to regain shoulder mobility more comfortably.

Why Choose Relief Orthopedics?

• Orthopedic specialists experienced in shoulder disorders
• Conservative treatment focused on restoring shoulder mobility
• Individualized rehabilitation programs
• Modern diagnostic equipment
• Advanced pain management
• International patient-friendly services
• English-speaking assistance
• Convenient Myeongdong location
• Transparent treatment recommendations
• Personalized follow-up care

Who Can Benefit?

Our treatments are suitable for:

• Adults with shoulder stiffness
• Patients with adhesive capsulitis
• Individuals recovering from shoulder injuries
• Patients recovering after shoulder surgery
• Individuals with diabetes-related frozen shoulder
• Office workers
• Athletes
• Seniors
• Travelers
• International patients seeking orthopedic care in Seoul

Frequently Asked Questions

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes thickened and stiff, causing pain and progressively limited range of motion.

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder may develop without a clear cause or following injury, surgery, prolonged shoulder immobilization, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Can frozen shoulder improve without surgery?

Yes. Most patients recover with rehabilitation, physical therapy, stretching exercises, medications, and ultrasound-guided injections when appropriate. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases that do not improve with conservative treatment.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Recovery varies from person to person. Many patients improve over several months, although complete recovery may take one to three years depending on the stage and severity.

Is physical therapy important?

Yes. Physical therapy plays a central role in restoring shoulder mobility, improving flexibility, reducing stiffness, and helping patients regain normal function.

Are ultrasound-guided injections safe?

Yes. Ultrasound guidance improves injection accuracy by allowing medication to be delivered precisely into the shoulder joint while minimizing injury to surrounding tissues.

Can frozen shoulder come back?

Recurrence in the same shoulder is uncommon, but some patients may later develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder.

Should I keep moving my shoulder?

Yes. Gentle stretching and guided exercises are generally recommended. Your orthopedic specialist will provide a rehabilitation program appropriate for your stage of recovery.

When should I see an orthopedic specialist?

You should seek evaluation if shoulder pain and stiffness progressively worsen, limit daily activities, or significantly reduce your range of motion.

Can international patients receive treatment?

Yes. Relief Orthopedics welcomes international patients and provides comprehensive frozen shoulder treatment for visitors, expatriates, and medical travelers in Seoul.