Frozen Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment 

Comprehensive Shoulder Care at Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness

Shoulder pain can make even simple tasks—like reaching, lifting, or sleeping—feel difficult. Two of the most common causes of shoulder pain are Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) and Rotator Cuff Injuries. At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness in Burlington, we provide a complete, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating both conditions so you can regain comfort, strength, and mobility.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tightens, leading to stiffness, pain, and restricted movement. It typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages—freezing, frozen, and thawing.

Common Signs of Frozen Shoulder

  • Significant stiffness in the shoulder

  • Dull, aching pain around the joint

  • Difficulty lifting the arm overhead

  • Sleep discomfort, especially at night

Frozen shoulder is more common in adults between 40–70 and in individuals with diabetes, thyroid issues, or after prolonged shoulder immobility.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder and make lifting and rotating the arm possible. Rotator cuff injuries range from tendonitis and impingement to partial or full-thickness tears.

Common Signs of a Rotator Cuff Injury

  • Pain with overhead movements

  • Shoulder weakness or fatigue

  • Clicking, catching, or grinding

  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

  • Limited range of motion

These injuries often result from repetitive overhead activities, age-related wear, sudden lifting, or falls.

How We Treat Frozen Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries

Our clinic takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach, combining physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy to create a tailored plan for your shoulder condition.

Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for both frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems. Our physiotherapists focus on restoring mobility, strengthening the shoulder complex, and reducing pain.

Our physiotherapy treatments include:

  • Targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff and upper back

  • Manual therapy to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness

  • Stretching and mobility work for frozen shoulder recovery

  • Postural correction and movement retraining

  • Sport-specific or lifestyle-specific rehabilitation programs

  • Modalities such as heat, cold, and therapeutic exercises

For frozen shoulder, physiotherapy helps you progress safely through each stage.
For rotator cuff injuries, it promotes tendon healing, strength, and stability.

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Alignment & Mechanics

Chiropractic care complements rehabilitation by improving joint alignment and overall shoulder mechanics.

Chiropractic treatments may include:

  • Spinal and rib adjustments to reduce strain on the shoulder

  • Gentle mobilizations of the shoulder joint

  • Postural assessments and corrections

  • Soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tension

  • Guidance on safe movement patterns

Better alignment can decrease irritation and improve shoulder function during recovery.

Massage Therapy for Soft Tissue Relief

Massage therapy supports healing by addressing tight, overworked muscles around the shoulder and upper back.

Benefits of massage therapy include:

  • Reduced muscle tension and inflammation

  • Improved circulation for tissue repair

  • Greater comfort between physiotherapy sessions

  • Enhanced range of motion

Massage therapy is particularly helpful for frozen shoulder stiffness and rotator cuff-related muscle guarding.

Why Choose Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness?

At our Burlington clinic, your care is personalized from start to finish. We focus on:

  • Accurate assessment and diagnosis

  • Customized treatment plans tailored to your stage of recovery

  • A team-based approach combining physio, chiro, and massage

  • Education and prevention strategies

  • Support for daily activities, work, and sports goals

Our goal is to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence—so you can return to the activities that matter most.

Get Relief From Shoulder Pain Today

If you’re experiencing stiffness, weakness, or ongoing shoulder pain, our team at Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness in Burlington is here to help. Contact us to book an appointment and start your personalized recovery plan.