Frozen Shoulder Doctor in Jaipur - Dr. Surabhi Bansal
Specialist in frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) with 14+ years of experience. Dr. Surabhi Bansal (BPT, MPT Ortho) provides stage-specific physiotherapy treatment at Modern Physio to restore your shoulder's full range of movement.
Dr. Surabhi Bansal - Frozen Shoulder Specialist
BPT, MPT (Ortho) • 14+ Years Experience • USA Trained
Why Choose Dr. Surabhi Bansal for Frozen Shoulder Treatment?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and then contracts around the joint, progressively limiting movement. It is not simply a "stiff shoulder" but a distinct inflammatory condition that goes through three predictable stages. Without the right treatment at the right stage, it can severely limit daily activities for years.
Dr. Surabhi Bansal's expertise lies in diagnosing which stage of frozen shoulder you are in and applying the precise treatment strategy that is most effective at that stage. Pain-focused therapy in the frozen stage or aggressive joint mobilisation in the freezing stage can actually worsen outcomes. Her stage-specific approach at Modern Physio is why Jaipur patients recover significantly faster than the typical natural course of the condition.
Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Deep, dull aching pain in the shoulder, often worse at night and when lying on the affected side
- Progressive loss of shoulder movement - difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
- Pain at the end range of shoulder movements in the early stages
- Noticeable limitation in external rotation (turning the arm outward) - often the first movement to be lost
- Difficulty with routine tasks such as putting on a jacket, reaching a high shelf, or fastening a bra
- Muscle wasting around the shoulder due to reduced use
- Pain that may radiate down the upper arm but rarely below the elbow (unlike nerve pain)
The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Stage 1: Freezing (2 to 9 months)
Pain is the dominant feature. The shoulder aches at rest and is sharply painful with movement. Range of motion begins to decrease. This is the best stage to intervene - early physiotherapy can slow or halt progression.
Stage 2: Frozen (4 to 12 months)
Pain may reduce slightly but the shoulder becomes very stiff and movement is severely restricted. Activities like dressing and driving become difficult. Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining what movement remains and preventing further capsule adhesion.
Stage 3: Thawing (5 to 24 months)
Gradual return of movement. Pain continues to decrease. Active physiotherapy accelerates this stage significantly - patients receiving treatment in this stage recover 2 to 3 times faster than those not receiving treatment.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
The earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. See Dr. Surabhi Bansal promptly if:
- Your shoulder has been painful and stiff for more than 2 to 3 weeks
- You are waking at night with shoulder pain
- You are noticing progressive difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
- You have diabetes and develop shoulder stiffness (act faster - diabetic frozen shoulder progresses more quickly)
- Your shoulder pain follows an injury, surgery, or period of immobility
- You are compensating by using your other arm more, causing neck or upper back strain
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Treated Without Surgery?
For most patients, absolutely yes. Clinical guidelines recommend physiotherapy as the primary treatment for frozen shoulder. Surgical options (manipulation under anaesthesia or capsular release) are only considered in a small minority of patients who have not improved after 6 to 12 months of appropriate conservative treatment.
Physiotherapy
- • Treats underlying inflammation
- • Gradually restores full range of motion
- • No recovery time
- • Addresses all three stages
- • First-line treatment per clinical guidelines
Surgery (Rarely Needed)
- • Only if physiotherapy fails after 6 to 12 months
- • Still requires physiotherapy post-operatively
- • Carries surgical risks
- • Recovery period of several months
- • Less than 10% of patients need this
Our Treatment Approach at Modern Physio
- Stage-Specific Joint Mobilisation: Gentle graded techniques to restore shoulder mobility without provoking inflammation. Technique intensity is carefully matched to your current stage.
- Heat and Electrotherapy: Ultrasound therapy and IFT to reduce capsular inflammation and muscle guarding, making subsequent mobilisation more effective and comfortable.
- Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: Progressive capsular stretching programme to address the specific pattern of movement restriction seen in each stage of frozen shoulder.
- Shoulder Strengthening: Rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser strengthening to restore normal shoulder mechanics as mobility returns.
- Pain Management Strategies: Guidance on positions of comfort, ice and heat application, activity modification, and sleeping positions to manage night pain.
- Hydrodilatation Support: If your orthopaedic specialist has recommended hydrodilatation (injection of fluid to expand the capsule), we provide optimised physiotherapy before and after the procedure to maximise its benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder
Can frozen shoulder be cured without surgery?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) responds very well to physiotherapy, which is the first-line treatment. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after extended conservative management has not produced adequate improvement. Dr. Surabhi Bansal at Modern Physio has successfully treated hundreds of frozen shoulder patients in Jaipur without surgery.
How long does frozen shoulder take to heal?
Without treatment, frozen shoulder can last 18 months to 3 years. With appropriate physiotherapy, most patients see significant improvement within 3 to 6 months and achieve full or near-full recovery. Early treatment during the freezing phase typically produces the fastest results.
What are the 3 stages of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages: (1) Freezing stage - gradual onset of pain and stiffness, lasting 2 to 9 months. Shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted and painful. (2) Frozen stage - pain may reduce slightly but the shoulder becomes very stiff, lasting 4 to 12 months. Activities of daily living are significantly affected. (3) Thawing stage - gradual return of shoulder movement, lasting 5 to 24 months without treatment, often faster with physiotherapy.
Is frozen shoulder more common in diabetics?
Yes. People with diabetes are 3 to 5 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and their recovery may take longer. If you have diabetes and develop shoulder pain and stiffness, early physiotherapy is especially important. Dr. Surabhi Bansal is experienced in managing frozen shoulder in diabetic patients with appropriately modified treatment protocols.
Can I do exercises at home for frozen shoulder?
Yes, a home exercise programme is an essential part of frozen shoulder recovery. Dr. Surabhi Bansal will prescribe specific exercises matched to your stage of frozen shoulder. These include pendulum swings, towel stretch, and cross-body reach. Performing the wrong exercises, or the right exercises with too much force, can delay recovery, so professional guidance is important.
Why does frozen shoulder hurt more at night?
Frozen shoulder pain often worsens at night due to reduced circulation, changes in body position, and the natural inflammatory processes that are more active during rest. Sleeping on the affected shoulder also compresses the joint capsule. Using a supportive pillow arrangement and the sleeping positions advised by your physiotherapist can help reduce night pain.
Medically Reviewed
This content was reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Surabhi Bansal, BPT, MPT (Ortho) with 14+ years of clinical experience.
At Modern Physio, all medical content undergoes a thorough review process to ensure accuracy and alignment with current physiotherapy standards. Our content is created to educate and should not replace professional medical advice. Learn more about our review process.
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Modern Physio
73 East, Giriraj Vihar, Near Shalby Hospital
Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021
+91-82334-02489