Frozen Shoulder Physiotherapy in Clapham
A painful, stiff shoulder that’s getting harder to move, especially at night or when reaching behind your back? Frozen shoulder is most common in women in midlife, and physiotherapy can help. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
As part of our shoulder physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats frozen shoulder in Clapham, helping you manage pain, restore movement and get back to everyday tasks.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
According to the NHS, frozen shoulder means your shoulder is painful and stiff for months, sometimes years. It’s also called adhesive capsulitis. The good news is that the pain and stiffness usually go away eventually.
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain, often worse at night
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Difficulty reaching up, out to the side or behind your back
- Difficulty getting dressed, doing your hair or fastening a bra
Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is most common in women aged 40 to 60, around perimenopause and menopause. The NHS notes it’s more likely after a shoulder injury or surgery that limits arm movement, or if you have diabetes.
How Physiotherapy Helps
The NHS describes physiotherapy for frozen shoulder as including stretching exercises, strength exercises and posture advice, usually for at least six weeks. Treatment may include:
- Gentle exercises matched to how painful and stiff your shoulder is
- Stretches to gradually restore movement
- Strengthening for your shoulder and upper back
- Hands-on treatment where helpful
- Advice on sleeping and daily tasks
Managing Pain
The NHS suggests keeping your shoulder gently moving, taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable, and using heat for up to 20 minutes. Avoid pushing through very painful stretches, especially early on.
Injections and Other Treatments
If pain is severe, your GP may offer a steroid injection to ease pain, which can make exercises easier. If your shoulder remains very stiff, a specialist may discuss other options. Olivia can work alongside your GP or consultant.
Sleeping With Frozen Shoulder
Night pain is common. Try lying on your back or your other side, with a pillow supporting the painful arm.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and what you find difficult
- Assess your shoulder, neck and upper back, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Frozen Shoulder FAQs
- How long does frozen shoulder last?
It varies. The NHS says frozen shoulder can take months or years to get better, but the pain and stiffness usually go away eventually.
- Is frozen shoulder linked to menopause?
It’s most common in women aged 40 to 60, around perimenopause and menopause. Other risk factors include diabetes and a previous shoulder injury or surgery.
- Should I stretch a frozen shoulder?
Yes, gently. Stretches should be matched to how painful your shoulder is. Pushing too hard early on can increase pain, so Olivia will guide you.
- Can physiotherapy cure frozen shoulder?
Physiotherapy can’t speed up the natural course completely, but it can ease pain, help you keep and regain movement, and help you manage day to day.
- Do I need a referral for frozen shoulder physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
Stay Connected
Stay updated by following us on our social channels. Links are provided below to keep you connected.
Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.