The Role of Physiotherapy in Frozen Shoulder Recovery

Reflecting on the Journey: Frozen Shoulder Recovery in Focus

Recovering from frozen shoulder has been no small feat—physically, emotionally, or mentally. Throughout this blog series, we’ve explored the challenges that come with this condition, from the frustration of limited mobility to the often overwhelming task of navigating recovery options. Whether you’ve been dealing with frozen shoulder personally or supporting someone else on this journey, the path to regaining full range of motion and strength is rarely straightforward and takes dedication and consistency.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this series, from understanding the stages of frozen shoulder and the role of slow, progressive stretching to the powerful benefits of strength training, chiropractic care, and physiotherapy. One common thread has emerged: balance and consistency are everything. Recovery isn’t about finding a single solution; it’s about blending approaches, understanding your body’s signals, and staying committed to the process.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, it shows dedication and a real drive to tackle the challenge of frozen shoulder head-on. I hope some of the strategies and techniques we’ve explored are already helping you take steps toward recovery. Remember, it’s the steady effort—learning, experimenting, and adjusting—that brings real progress. You’re doing the work, and that’s worth celebrating. Now, let’s build on this foundation as we dive into the role of physiotherapy and hear Pascal Séguin’s expert take in the sections ahead.

Pascal’s Insights: How Physiotherapy Complements Chiropractic Care

Say Hello to Pascal Séguin

Le Fit Physio - Pascal Seguin

Pascal graduated from the University of Montreal in physiotherapy, but his endeavors go far beyond simply being a physio. With the rise of technology and social media, he has made it his mission to be an ambassador for physical activity and physiotherapy by providing interesting, entertaining, and educational content across various platforms, from Facebook to Instagram, and even YouTube. He collaborates with several influencers and micro-influencers, helping build his own following, while also contributing valuable information from his own anecdotal experiences after using greatly studied and peer-reviewed techniques. He has also participated in several high-profile events such as the IRONMAN in Tremblant, TOP BOX, the 2017 CrossFit Regionals, and many others. Giving him an in-depth insight into physical activity. Additionally, he recently obtained his certification in Physiotherapeutic Dry Needling (PPAS) to treat using dry needling techniques. I can tell you, having been a patient of his and having been dry-needled, it does wonders! Haha.

During our interview, Pascal shared his philosophy: “Physiotherapy doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It’s about consistency and knowing what works. It’s simple, but not easy—it’s painful, and it requires daily work, but it just works.” His expertise and his unique approach to physiotherapy not only cover the general treatment of trigger points, manual therapy, and dry needling, but his approach also comes from the perspective of an athlete versed in not only his own training, but also taking part in as mentioned above some grueling, and extremely physically demanding sports. The guy is the definition of a beast!

Common Misconceptions About Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder

One of the first points Pascal addressed was the lingering misconceptions about physiotherapy's role in frozen shoulder recovery. “People often think physiotherapy is just stretching and exercising, but it’s much more than that. It’s about catching the problem early, understanding biomechanics, and tailoring treatments to each patient. Every frozen shoulder case is unique.” Pascal explained that the approach is much more nuanced and tailored. He highlighted that physiotherapy involves deeply understanding the biomechanics and tailoring treatments to each individual. He also emphasized the importance of seeing a physiotherapist to avoid common pitfalls. “If you don’t get proper guidance and stick to the plan, you risk getting mobility back but losing strength. Without strength, you might solve the frozen shoulder only to develop tendinitis or other issues.”

How Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care Work Together

Pascal also discussed the complementary nature of physiotherapy and chiropractic care. “Chiropractors focus on joint alignment, while physiotherapists take that alignment and build strength and control around it. For frozen shoulder, physiotherapy often ends up doing most of the heavy lifting because it’s about consistency and strength.” He continued to say that frozen shoulder cases physiotherapy is a must in treatment as it tends to do the heavy lifting during the rehabilitation. The synergy between the two, however, ensures that patients benefit from improved mobility and reduced pain before diving into recovery's strength and stabilization phase. It reinforces that collaboration between therapies is ideal.

Navigating Pain and Discomfort During Recovery

When balancing pain management with pushing through discomfort, Pascal shared practical advice: “You need to distinguish between productive pain and harmful pain. Productive pain is tolerable and helps with stretching or strengthening, but harmful pain will make your shoulder worse and more sensitive for days.” He recommended open communication with your physiotherapist to adjust the intensity of the exercises and for consistent movement, saying, “You want to move your shoulder every day. If you skip days, it’s like taking a step back each time.”

The Critical Role of Patient Participation

According to Pascal, patient engagement is the cornerstone of successful frozen shoulder recovery. “You need to do the exercises every day. The body responds to what you do daily, not what you do once a week. If you want to improve flexibility, it’s about those daily drills—not a big session on Sunday.” he said. Patients need to maintain consistency in their home routines to see long-term results. Which makes his job about being a motivator as well as a physiotherapist. He highlighted his role as a motivator as well as a physical therapist: “Most likely, I’m going to be your hype man. But motivation aside, it’s about discipline. Even when it’s painful, you have to push through to see progress.”

Pascal’s Go-To Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

Pascal outlined a few exercises he frequently recommends, focusing on gradual progression. He recommended pendulum swings for gentle mobilization and resistance band exercises to build strength. He stressed, “It’s not about doing a lot—it’s about doing it right.” He also advocates for wall climbs and external rotations using resistance bands, emphasizing slow and controlled movements.

Advice for Beginners in Frozen Shoulder Recovery

To those just starting their recovery journey, Pascal had this to say: “See a physiotherapist. That’s the first step. If it’s frozen shoulder, you’ll most likely need a cortisone shot initially to reduce inflammation. After that, get into physiotherapy sessions as soon as possible and stick to the plan.” He encouraged focusing on small victories, such as regaining a few degrees of motion or reducing daily pain. He concluded, “The rehab is simple, but not easy. It’s about consistency, even when it’s hard. Do the work, and you’ll see results.”

The Synergy of Care: Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Patient Commitment

Why Combined Therapies Work Best

Recovery from frozen shoulder is rarely a one-dimensional process—it thrives on a collaborative approach. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy each bring unique strengths to the table, but when combined, their synergy often leads to more effective and faster results.

Chiropractic care focuses on the structural side of recovery, addressing alignment issues and releasing tension in the surrounding joints and muscles. By improving alignment, chiropractic adjustments create a foundation that allows the shoulder joint to move more freely and with less pain. This step is crucial, at least it was for me, for preparing the body for the next phase of recovery: restoring strength and range of motion.

This is where physiotherapy shines. Physiotherapy took the progress made by Dr. Wexel's chiropractic adjustments and built on it through targeted exercises that rebuild strength and enhance mobility. Stretching, strengthening, and stabilizing the shoulder muscles help ensure the joint remains functional and less prone to future flare-ups. Together, these therapies create a balance—chiropractic care relieves immediate tension, while physiotherapy reinforces those gains by fortifying the muscles and tissues.

The Patient’s Role in Recovery

By addressing both the structural and muscular components of frozen shoulder, combined therapies work in harmony to tackle the condition from multiple angles. This integrated approach not only optimizes recovery but also reduces the risk of setbacks. From my experience, seeing both a chiropractor and physiotherapist was like hitting all the right notes in a melody—they work best when in tune with each other.

While combined therapies like chiropractic care and physiotherapy provide the professional expertise needed for frozen shoulder recovery, the patient’s role is just as critical—if not more so. Consistency, dedication to exercises, and listening to your body’s signals are the driving forces behind long-term success.

No matter how effective the treatments are, they only lay the groundwork. The real progress happens in the spaces between appointments. Following the prescribed exercises and committing to daily movement requires patience and perseverance. I’ve learned firsthand that skipping a day or two might feel insignificant, but over time, those gaps add up. The difference between just managing the condition and truly overcoming it often boils down to how consistently you stick to the plan.

Equally important is understanding your body’s signals. During my recovery, I had to learn the subtle yet vital distinction between productive pain—the kind that comes from challenging stiff muscles—and harmful pain that signals overexertion or potential injury. This awareness allowed me to push my limits safely while respecting the boundaries my body set along the way.

For me, persistence became the game-changer. There were days when progress felt nonexistent, but looking back, those seemingly small efforts—stretching in the shower, practicing gentle movements, or simply showing up to appointments—laid the foundation for each breakthrough. It’s not just about physical progress either; consistency builds confidence and mental resilience, both of which are invaluable when tackling a condition as stubborn as frozen shoulder.

Pascal would often remind me that recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but every little effort I put in, added up. Whether it’s working through exercises, maintaining proper posture, or simply staying patient with the process, the key is to keep moving forward—literally and figuratively.

Maintaining Shoulder Health: Life Beyond Frozen Shoulder

Proactive Tips for Keeping Your Shoulders Strong and Mobile

Recovery from frozen shoulder doesn’t end when the pain subsides or mobility returns—it’s an ongoing process that requires dedication. To maintain healthy shoulders, incorporate gentle stretching into your daily routine and be mindful of posture during activities. Shoulder-friendly habits, like avoiding prolonged periods in one position or carrying heavy loads unevenly, can also make a big difference. Remember, prevention is always better than treatment.

Strength Training for Long-Term Stability

Building strength is not just about recovery—it’s about future-proofing your shoulders against setbacks. Incorporate regular strength training targeting your rotator cuff, deltoids, and scapular stabilizers to keep your shoulders strong and functional. Resistance bands and light weights are excellent for maintaining balance and stability, while progressively increasing intensity ensures your muscles stay resilient. Consistency here isn’t optional—it’s what keeps your progress intact.

Wrapping Up: Lessons From the Frozen Shoulder Journey

What We’ve Learned Together

Over the course of this series, we’ve explored the complexities of frozen shoulder, from its frustratingly slow progression to the therapies that accelerate recovery. Together, we’ve learned that balance—between movement and rest, between pushing limits and respecting boundaries—is the cornerstone of recovery. Whether through chiropractic care, physiotherapy, strength training, or your personal dedication, the journey is as much about persistence as it is about healing.

A Grateful Nod to Our Experts and Readers

I owe a special thank you to Dr. Michael Wexel and Pascal Séguin for sharing their invaluable expertise. Their insights and techniques were instrumental not only in my recovery but also in shaping this series. To you, the readers—for making it this far, haha! Your engagement, questions, and stories make this platform a space for growth and support.

Please share this series with anyone who may benefit and stay tuned for more content on health fitness, and recovery!

For those interested in diving deeper into the strategies we discussed, don’t miss the full interview with Pascal on my YouTube channel.