If you have been battling a painful, stiff shoulder for any length of time you may have resorted to treatment measures outside of logical thinking to relieve your pain. I've had patients tell me they have used everything from mustard poultices to lubricants made for car parts in attempt to cure frozen shoulder pain. As long as their method is not directly harmful to them I do not try to argue them down because 1) If they believe it is working I will not succeed in changing their mind, and 2) the person will likely be more receptive to my clinical treatment if I am not argumentative to their beliefs.

However, this is not an article on patient psychology, but the above leads me to answer the question "will exercise cure a frozen shoulder?".

Research shows that most cases of frozen shoulder are "self-limiting" or resolved within 2 years of onset no matter the course of treatment. That's fine, but who wants to live with an arm that is 50% useful at best if they can do something NOW to increase function and range of motion? Therefore while some view that exercise itself cannot cure frozen shoulder, the increased range of motion, increased function and decreased pain it provides can improve an individual's quality of life, save money, time, and possibly relationships (yes, chronic pain can affect the quality of relationships to a spouse, employer, or significant other).

The important factor here, as is with any treatment, is that the "exercise" is part of a well designed, evidence-based program aimed specifically at treating frozen shoulder. Conversely a poorly designed program can adversely affect or prolong the stiffness and pain associated with a frozen shoulder.

There are numerous exercises, tips, and "cures" floating around the internet that promise to relieve or cure a frozen shoulder, but each individual must be aware that every person is unique in their presentation and simply performing some exercises they have found on a website will often leave the individual frustrated because of lack of progress.

Quality information regarding the treatment of frozen shoulder pain can be found on the internet with proper and diligent research, however a more efficient path to treatment of a frozen shoulder my be through "paid" programs as these are often "complete" treatments which include methods for immediate pain reduction as well as proven and tested strategies and exercises to regain normal use and function.