Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Amsterdam
Shoulder gradually getting stiffer and more painful, with movement slipping away? Our Amsterdam chiropractors help manage frozen shoulder and work to restore your range of motion.
No referral needed · Dutch, English and German-speaking · Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
Frozen shoulder, known medically as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and painful as the capsule around the joint tightens. It typically develops slowly through three stages, painful freezing, a frozen stage where movement is most limited, and a gradual thawing, and it can take many months to resolve. The good news is that the right care can ease the pain, protect movement in the surrounding joints and neck, and support a faster, smoother recovery. We will be honest with you about realistic timelines and what to expect at each stage.
What We Do
Hands-on care to manage frozen shoulder pain and maintain movement: assessment, gentle mobilisation, and a stage-appropriate plan.
Who We Do It For
People with a stiff, painful shoulder that is losing range of motion, often between the ages of 40 and 60.
What You Get
Better-managed pain, preserved movement, and a clear, realistic understanding of your recovery.
COMMON CAUSES OF SHOULDER PAIN
Frozen shoulder often appears without an obvious cause, but several things make it more likely:
Period of immobility
A shoulder kept still after an injury, surgery or illness is more likely to stiffen up.
Previous shoulder injury
A strain or injury can sometimes trigger the capsule to tighten.
Age and sex
It is most common between 40 and 60, and affects women somewhat more often.
Posture and neck tension
Restricted movement in the neck and upper back can add to shoulder strain.
Underlying health conditions
It is more common in people with certain long-term conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A CHIROPRACTOR FOR SHOULDER STIFFNESS?
See us if you recognise any of the following:
• A shoulder that is becoming progressively stiffer and harder to move
• Pain when you try to lift your arm or reach behind you
• Shoulder pain that disturbs your sleep, especially lying on that side
• A noticeable loss of range of motion over weeks or months
• Stiffness that is affecting dressing, driving or daily tasks
• You want help managing the pain and protecting movement through recovery
SAFETY: See a doctor if your shoulder pain followed a significant injury or fall, or comes with swelling, deformity, fever or an inability to move the arm at all, to rule out a fracture or other problem before starting treatment.
HOW WE TREAT A FROZEN SHOULDER
Our approach is structured and evidence-based: no guesswork, no open-ended commitment.
Thorough holistic assessment
We assess your shoulder, neck and upper back to understand your stage and what is limiting movement.
Gentle Chiropractic adjustment
To release blockages and restore nerve communication to the muscles of the shoulder.
Gentle mobilisation
Stage-appropriate, controlled techniques to ease pain and encourage movement without forcing the joint.
Muscle & tension release
Soft-tissue work for the muscles around the shoulder, neck and upper back that tighten to protect the joint.
Movement & home exercises
A gentle, progressive exercise plan to maintain and gradually rebuild your range of motion.
Realistic recovery plan
Clear guidance on what to expect at each stage so you can manage flare-ups and track progress.
WHO DO WE HELP WITH SHOULDER PAIN
Adults aged 40 to 60. The group most affected by frozen shoulder.
Active professionals. People whose work or sport is being limited by a stiff shoulder.
Locals and expats alike. We treat people from all over Amsterdam, and our chiropractors speak Dutch, English and German, so you will always be understood and cared for in your own language.
STIFF, PAINFUL SHOULDER? LET US HELP YOU MOVE AGAIN
FAQs
-
Yes, chiropractic care can help manage the pain and maintain and rebuild movement through the stages of frozen shoulder, alongside a home exercise plan. We are honest that it is a gradual process.
-
It varies, but frozen shoulder is typically slow and can take many months to fully resolve. The aim of care is to ease the pain and protect movement so recovery is smoother.
-
Our techniques are gentle and matched to your stage. We work within your comfort and never force a painful, stiff joint.
-
Because frozen shoulder progresses in stages, care is usually spread over time. After your first assessment we will give you a clear, realistic plan.
-
No. You can book directly with us, no GP (huisarts) referral is needed to start treatment.
-
Many Dutch supplementary policies (aanvullende verzekering) cover chiropractic. See our Fees for current details.
-
We’re on Amstelveenseweg in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, easy to reach by bike or public transport. View our Contact Us page.
-
A full assessment of your shoulder, neck and upper back, an explanation of what we find, and where appropriate, your first treatment.