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Find an Airrosti Clinic Near You (OH, TX, VA, WA)
We take the time needed for a thorough examination to find the underlying cause of your pain.
Airrosti Providers use hands-on manual therapy to treat your specific shoulder injury to reduce pain, increase mobility, and accelerate healing.
No surgery, injections, or prescription medication.
Patients have shorter recovery time with an average of 3.2 visits over 2 weeks.
Speed your recovery and keep your pain from returning.
Additionally, we also explain the causes of frozen shoulder, how traditional healthcare approaches this condition, and how Airrosti can help.
Still have questions or concerns about your frozen shoulder pain? Schedule a no-cost video chat with one of our Providers.
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The connective tissue capsule that surrounds the joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing discomfort.
Frozen shoulder symptoms typically progress through three stages over one to three years, each affecting your quality of life.
Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder:
This initial stage lasts six weeks to nine months. Shoulder movement becomes painful, and range of motion decreases. The pain is often dull or achy and may worsen at night.
Pain may lessen during this stage, but shoulder stiffness increases, severely limiting movement. This phase can persist for three months to a year.
Over six months to a year, shoulder mobility gradually improves, and pain diminishes. Occasional discomfort may recur but will fade with time.
Frozen shoulders often develop after a shoulder injury, such as a fracture, which may require immobilization in a cast or sling. Over time, lack of movement can lead to the thickening of the shoulder joint’s capsule, resulting in significant pain and limited mobility.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. Those recovering from shoulder or arm injuries are most susceptible, but other risk factors include age (especially those over 40), gender (women are more likely to be affected), and pre-existing medical conditions like:
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (overactive or underactive thyroid)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
Surgery is not usually necessary for frozen shoulder. Most cases can be effectively managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, Airrosti care, medication, and exercises to improve range of motion. Surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the shoulder remains significantly stiff for an extended period. Procedures such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery may be options in such cases. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
It’s generally safe to take medications for frozen shoulder pain, but it’s important to use them as directed by your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Prescription medications, including stronger NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections, may be recommended for more severe pain and inflammation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Yes, there are several self-care techniques and exercises that can help alleviate frozen shoulder pain and improve mobility. These may include gentle stretching exercises to gradually increase the range of motion in the shoulder. Heat therapy before exercises and cold therapy afterward can also help manage pain. Physical therapy is often recommended to guide the exercise process, ensuring that it is done safely and effectively. Consistent practice of these exercises is key to improving shoulder mobility over time.
While it’s important to avoid activities that exacerbate frozen shoulder symptoms, completely restricting all movement may worsen stiffness. It’s crucial to balance rest with gentle, controlled exercises that help improve the range of motion. Gradually increasing shoulder activity, as tolerated, can help alleviate symptoms and restore function. However, if certain movements cause sharp pain, it’s important to stop and consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance. Activity modification and consistent stretching are key to managing and overcoming frozen shoulder.
Absolutely AMAZING! I'm an RN and received such professional care and outstanding results. I had a frozen shoulder and thought there was no way the pain was going to get better. I was amazed at how well this type of PT worked. I now have excellent range of motion and the pain is gone. Don't hesitate!
by Heidi Allison
I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional care and expertise provided by Dr. Clarissa Engen at Airrosti Redmond. After struggling with a frozen shoulder for months, I stumbled upon Airrosti through a Google search. My decision to give Airrosti a shot proved to be a pivotal moment, as it transformed my life. From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. Dr. Engen took the time to thoroughly assess my condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to my needs. Her knowledge and expertise were evident from the start, and I felt confident I was in good hands. Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Engen demonstrated unparalleled skill and dedication. She patiently guided me throu...+ show moregh each session, providing clear instructions and encouragement every step of the way. Her genuine concern for my well-being was inspiring. I always felt supported and motivated to push through any challenges. Thanks to her expert guidance and unwavering support, I am thrilled to say that my frozen shoulder is a thing of the past. I have regained my full range of motion and am finally free from the debilitating pain that once plagued me. It's amazing what can be achieved with the right care and dedication, and I am forever grateful to the wonderful team at Airrosti Redmond. If you are struggling with a similar condition, I wholeheartedly recommend seeking treatment from Dr. Engen. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence set her apart; I cannot thank her enough for giving me back my quality of life. Thank you, Dr. Clarissa Engine, Katie, and the entire team at Airrosti for everything you do!
by Preethy Venkatapuram
I went in with what was told to me by Dr. Lakin, was frozen shoulder in both arms. I had very little mobility for around 2yrs. After 4 treatment visits and counsel on exercises. I am what i feel 80% better and plan to get to 100% with continued exercises shown to me. Thank you Dr.Lakin you have given me back a better quality of life.
by Miguel Leija
Dr. Ulrich is a very thorough, skilled, and compassionate doctor. My frozen shoulder is almost completely unfrozen in 4 weeks time thanks to his techniques, advice, and the exercises. He is very patient with questions and very engaging and knowledgeable. Both of my sons have now had their shoulder/back issues resolved thanks to Dr. Ulrich and Airrosti as well. We are very happy with the Airrosti model of care, and Dr. Ulrich and Lawrence are top notch!
by Brenda Smith
I suffered frozen shoulder for one and half month. It real influence my daily life a lot. I wake up by pain many evening. I visited Houston for something else, but it happened that one of former patient from Airrosti shared her great experience with us. We got appointment same day. Dr.Robbert Burdsall treated me and I felt 15% better same day. Dr.Robbert burdsall helped me in the end of Thursday to get a shot appointment with other doctor on Friday for the shot. He wanted to be sure that I can get help! He followed up with me when I am back to Arkansas. He is most professional and responsible doctor I ever had. I am very appreciated. It turned out this is best for my trip to Houston! Thanks again!
by Lihua Clark
The exercises as prescribed by Dr. McGowan healed my shoulder muscles' limited mobility over a period of 4 weeks. I recovered my mobility 100% and cannot be any happier with the amazing results.
by Jose A. Castillo
I came to Dr. Smuts for treatment with a severe frozen shoulder that occurred as a result of surgery. From the first day, Dr. Smuts listened with a sympathetic ear, was incredibly knowledgeable, and super helpful; I was able to wash my hair with both hands for the first time in months! Each visit I got better and better, My range of motion increased, pain decreased, and my strength improved tremendously. Dr. Smuts gave me back my life and a sense of normalcy. She believed in me even when all my providers had given up and told me there was nothing else I could do. I am forever grateful. Thank you, Dr. Smuts!
by Alex Nyman
I love Dr. Murray! I had been suffering from a very painful frozen shoulder for months, had several rounds of PT with other providers with no results and cortisone shots. Nothing really helped until I saw Dr. Murray! He really worked on my shoulder and helped to break up the adhesion. More than that he recommended heavy icing in that area. I believe it was that combo that caused my shoulder to thaw. He’s a miracle worker and I cannot recommend him enough!
by Kelly Ferris
I am so grateful that I found Dr. Friendt and the team at Airrosti. I was treated for a frozen shoulder after 6 weeks of physical therapy that I was not finding helpful. Dr. Friendt and his deep tissue techniques were the only things that helped my shoulder regain motion. I am a huge supporter of Airrosti and I am a physical therapist!! The taping techniques Megan used allowed me to return to the tennis court with a significant decrease in pain. Dr. Friendt also treated me for piriformis syndrome and in only three treatments I felt so much relief. Dr. Friendt is so professional, caring, encouraging, and knowledgeable. Wishing him the best of luck in his new practice in Spokane, but he will be missed here in Houston! If you are experienci...+ show moreng joint pain, go see Dr. Friendt and you will be in the best of hands!
by Cameron Gallagher
I went to get treatment from Dr. Felton on Fri. 4/9/21. She determined that I have “frozen shoulder “ and proceeded to treat it. The treatment was intensive, but, once she was done, the pain in my shoulder and arm had lessened and both felt better. The mobility increased with decreased pain. I then worked with CRS, Ryan, with rehabilitation exercises that I have been doing on my own. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Felton and her staff to anyone in need of pain treatment. They were very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly during this treatment.
by Dianna Kacvinsky
I had dealt with a frozen shoulder for more than one year! At times excruciatingly painful! My Doctor sent me to physical therapy on two different occasions, each time for an entire month, sadly, my shoulder seemed so badly injured that nothing helped. Then another doctor asked if I would like to see a physical therapist doctor?! I didn't realize there was such a doctor! Of course I said "yes"! I was sent to Airrosti - to Dr. David Armstrong. OMG Dr. Armstrong had part of my mobility back in 30 SECONDS!!! Most of my mobility was back in about 3 weeks!!!! Yes, part of my mobility will never return, but that is not anyone's fault. I finally have my arm back, I can reach for things again and can actually put my own clothes on again - after ...+ show morealmost 1 1/2 years! Thank you, Dr. Armstrong! God Bless you
by Patricia Magoon
Dr. Terra and Paula helped both me and my daughter recover from injuries. After spending 3 months in PT for a frozen shoulder with very limited success, I was able to see huge improvements in about 3-4 weeks. My daughter had trouble with her hip flexor from dance, and she was also able to eliminate the pain with Airrosti. We both really enjoyed meeting Dr. Terra and Paula and appreciated their expertise and help in getting us back to normal!
by Mary Beth
I was skeptical about being treated by Airrosti for my frozen shoulder pain and limited range of motion issues last December, but literally, after my first visit with Alex, I went straight home, took some Tylenol and laid on an ice pack and could not believe the improvement I had just hours after my appointment. In four appointments with Alex and Kevin, I was 100% range of motion and 99% pain-free. I tell EVERYONE about Airrosti....l continue to be free advertising for Alex and Kevin and will be using Airrosti for anything that arises in the future!
by Alischa Staggs
I called for a follow up rehab for my frozen shoulder, and I had Dr. Vick this time. It’s been two years from my initial diagnosis and after having done all the necessary tests and cortisone shots as well as home exercises, I decided to try rehab again. Dr. Vick helped a lot in improving my mobility and pain. Our conversation during rehab reduced the pain from the treatment. I would recommend her to anybody I know. Thank you, Dr. Vick.
by Corazon Casuga
After being diagnosed with a frozen shoulder, I called for an appointment with Airrosti during the time (more than 10 days) that I was waiting for another physical therapy center to get approval from my insurance carrier. To my surprise, Airrosti got approval from my insurance WITHIN TWO HOURS, and the next day I had an appointment with Dr. Le. From my first appointment forward, Dr. Le was always honest about the complexity of my condition and that I would not be fixed in the typical two or three visits. He would say ‘we have a lot of work to do here', but Dr. Le and his Recovery Specialist, Patrick never gave up on me. Each visit I could tell progress was being made, as my mobility came back slowly and pain disappeared. As Dr. Le ...+ show moresaid many times, we had to ‘chip away at it'. The combination of Dr. Le clearing the adhesions in my shoulder, followed by Patrick teaching me stretches to do at home, resulted in what is now a healthy and pain-free shoulder. I have never experienced this quality of care from any medical provider. Dr. Le and Patrick are knowledgeable and talented, as well as cheerleaders for their patient. Their office environment is a rare combination of professional and personal. It is run efficiently- I never waited more than five minutes from check-in to hands-on care. I wish all medical providers could observe and take a lesson- it CAN be done!! Mostly, I knew Dr. Le and Patrick always had my healing and well-being in mind. They truly cared about me and for this I am grateful.
by Julie Ewbank
I had a frozen shoulder in which I had been suffering for about 6 months in which I had seen an orthopedic surgeon. I had tried the recommended physical therapy and had a steroid injection and even pain killers. But I did not like being on pain killers, I wanted relief without drugs. The type of physical therapy, I was receiving was not helping.It felt as if my muscle needed to be massaged, and my arm not bent into a direction, it clearly would not move to. I was in excruciating pain, even just lifting a grocery bag, or sticking my arm out through the window for the teller. I would have shooting pain at night in which I lost many hours of sleep. A friend suggested Airrosti and it was well worth the visit, I wished I had gone initially. I...+ show more could move my arm after the first visit. It was a great alternative to steroid treatments and drug therapy, if you want a drug-free treatment free of side effects. I would highly recommend anyone to Airrosti.
by Kathy Mendez
I'm far from being an athlete, so I'm not your typical Airrosti patient. I heard about Airrosti from a relative, who suggested I give it a try. I immediately called and made an appointment, desperate for relief.
I knew a spinal fusion was on the horizon for me, but wanted to make sure it was truly a last resort. I'd tried epidural steroid injections, physical therapy, water therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, heat, ice, TENS units, and enough Aleve to eat through my stomach. The first time Dr. Tom Danisiewicz worked on my back, I stood up and walked out of his office pain-free for the first time in YEARS.
Unfortunately, due to extruded disc herniation with compression and nerve roots tears, the pain was back afte...+ show morer a couple of weeks. It's been a really long journey for me. I survived two lumbar surgeries and now have L-1 fastened to S-1 with rods, pins, screws and bolts (by the looks of my MRI), so my lumbar spine is REPAIRED, but it's been a long and bumpy road to recovery. Back surgeons never tell you how awful the recovery will be!
I've had IT band and tendon issues, and horrific muscles spasms as a result of my surgery. Specifically, my hamstrings and quadriceps cause me tremendous suffering.
There's only one doctor who can help me, who is kind enough to continue seeing me and helping me make myself well. In treating me, he has probably had to go outside the box to figure out what on earth to do for me, and he is always willing to take the time to figure it out. Dr. Tom is patient and kind and has worked through my many physical issues relating to my back surgery. Without him I might be laid up in bed, on disability. I've been discharged many times! He doesn't have the heart to send me away, haha.
Until I get this body to cooperate, I will continue seeing him and will be forever grateful for his help. He is a fantastic doctor! I can't say enough good things about him and his practice. He knows where every tendon and muscle is and what it is attached to and why it is hurting me! I am so thankful to have him!
by Nancy S.
We offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments to best suit your needs.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
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“Airrosti” is the registered tradename used for Airrosti Rehab Centers, LLC and its various subsidiary and affiliated entities, which provide musculoskeletal treatment services. Airrosti providers are doctors of chiropractic or doctors of physical therapy.
