Call us
044 585 99 49
Mail us
info@physio-waidfuss.ch
Visit us
Hönggerstrasse 118
Book an appointment
from 8-12 and 13-17 o'clock

Frozen Shoulder: When the shoulder freezes and the nights become agony

Rotator cuff tear: tendon rupture in the shoulder, frozen shoulder, shoulder pain

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder: When the shoulder freezes and the nights become agony

Do you feel like your arm is stuck? A careless movement when putting on a jacket or reaching for the seatbelt in the car suddenly triggers stabbing pain. Especially at night, your shoulder deprives you of sleep. If the joint is increasingly stiffening, the diagnosis is often: Frozen Shoulder (also Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder).

This condition requires a tremendous amount of patience from those affected. But the good news first: it generally heals completely. The only important thing is that we treat the joint in the right phase with the right stimuli.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Ruth Winistörfer profile picture 
 
 
 Ruth Winistörfer 
 
2 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I am infinitely satisfied with the consultation, treatment, and support. Thank you.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 pfp profile picture 
 
 
 Please 
 
30 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I can fully recommend Waidfuss Physiotherapy in Wipkingen. The entire team is super friendly. I immediately felt in good hands. The treatment was very effective. In addition, I was taught important knowledge about my complaints and how to manage them. The exercises for home were also efficient. They were designed in such a way that you could tell the therapists are interested in the long-term success of the patient. On top of that, the Waidfuss team was extremely motivating. Thank you very much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Silvan Schweizer profile picture 
 
 
 Silvan Schweizer 
 
99 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I went here for rehab after my ACL tear surgery and felt very well cared for. I liked the competent, focused, but also humorous approach to the therapy. Every session was different, with modern approaches and various exercises. Top!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Ralph Füglister profile picture 
 
 
 Ralph Füglister 
 
113 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I am very satisfied with the treatment at Physiotherapie Waidfuss Wipkingen & Höngg. The entire team is friendly, professional, and really takes time for their patients. You feel taken seriously and are in the best of care. The therapies have noticeably helped me and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Absolute recommendation!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Benedikt Schmid profile picture 
 
 
 Benedikt Schmid 
 
230 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
Very competent and friendly.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Thomas Baumgartner profile picture 
 
 
 Thomas Baumgartner 
 
255 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
Philipp is fantastic, he really has it under control - I can warmly recommend him, he knows all the applications and tricks, and the nice and GOOD thing is that it always helps, even if it hurts a bit - It's great how you operate - Goal-oriented - Healing!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Pascal Steck profile picture 
 
 
 Pascal Steck 
 
301 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I had two injuries, both of which were treated in a flash. Super professional, competent, and just very nice people. Thank you very much for everything!

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Patrik Uihlein profile picture 
 
 
 Patrik Uihlein 
 
322 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I can only warmly recommend Philipp Schröder! Very competent, precisely addresses complaints and needs, is up to date, and a super pleasant person! His diverse tips and exercises are simple and quick to apply in between. He focuses on long-term and sustainable improvement and stability, not just for current complaints but for the entire body. Thank you very much, Philipp!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Lavdim Miftari profile picture 
 
 
 Lavdim Miftari 
 
350 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
I had severe pain in my left shoulder, a burning, truly unpleasant pain that weighed heavily on me. After just the second treatment with my physiotherapist Philipp, the pain was almost gone. He really is a Superman: highly competent, with a lot of experience, big strong hands, and the right intuition for what needs to be done. The treatment not only helped me, but was also fun because he stays attentive, listens, and chats with you during it instead of just silently doing his work for 30 minutes. A very, very good man, I never thought my pain could disappear so quickly.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 M “Markus D” D profile picture 
 
 
 M “Markus D” D 
 
575 days ago
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 23-star Google review4 Google stars5-star Google rating 
Thank you Chiara! Your treatments and tips helped me so much to return to my activities pain-free 😊 !

How do I proceed in case of a frozen shoulder?

The Three Phases of Frozen Shoulder: Where Are You?

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three overlapping stages that can last up to two years in total.

  • Phase 1: Freezing. The inflammation in the joint capsule is acute. The cardinal symptom: Shoulder pain at night and an extreme, stabbing pain with almost every movement. The joint is beginning to stiffen.frozen shoulder, shoulder pain

  • Phase 2: The Frozen Phase. The pain is slowly subsiding, but the shoulder is now massively stiff. Movements above shoulder height are often impossible.

  • Phase 3: Thawing. The inflammation has subsided, the capsule is gradually loosening, and the range of motion is returning month by month.

Why aggressive stretching in phase 1 is harmful

In the first phase, your central nervous system is on extreme alert due to the inflammation. The brain sends a clear signal: „Danger! Do not move!“ Anyone who tries to forcefully stretch the shoulder in this phase is literally adding fuel to the fire. The nervous system reacts with even more muscle guarding.

Here in physical therapy, we initially focus on unloading, gentle manual techniques, and a holistic perspective. When the shoulder hurts, the cervical spine or rib cage often compensates. We release tension in the neck and torso to take the stress off the shoulder. Only in the „frozen“ and „thawing“ phases do we begin with targeted neurocentric training, specific stimuli, and the so-called Nerve gliding (neurodynamics), to rid the brain of the fear of movement and to regain mobility.

Practical everyday tips for a more peaceful night

  • The correct sleeping position: Lie on your healthy side and hug a thick cushion with the affected arm. This prevents the shoulder from dropping forward and putting the joint capsule under tension.frozen shoulder, rehabilitation and new developments in physical therapy

  • The gentle swinging: Lean on a table with your healthy arm, bend your upper body forward slightly, and let the affected arm hang completely relaxed. Now swing it gently back and forth without any muscle power (like an elephant's trunk). This gently relaxes the joint capsule and relieves acute pain.

Your way out of the pain spiral in Zurich Do you suspect you are suffering from adhesive capsulitis? Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. The team at Physiotherapy Waidfuss in Zurich (near Wipkingen and Höngg) guides you safely through all phases of the illness. Contact us for a thorough diagnosis and your individual therapy plan!