TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores frozen shoulder, how private physiotherapy can speed up recovery, and how PMI can help you access this care quickly and affordably. WeCovr's guide to frozen shoulder and private physiotherapy options That searing, persistent ache in your shoulder that just won't quit.
Key takeaways
- Age and Gender: It's most common in people aged between 40 and 60, and for reasons not fully understood, it affects women more often than men.
- Medical Conditions: People with certain conditions are more susceptible, particularly those with diabetes. Up to 20% of people with diabetes may develop frozen shoulder. Other linked conditions include an overactive or underactive thyroid, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.
- Immobility: If you've had to keep your shoulder still for a long time, perhaps after an injury (like a broken arm) or surgery, you are at a higher risk of the capsule tightening up.
- Visit Your GP: Your journey begins with a visit to your GP. They will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder's range of motion. They can usually diagnose frozen shoulder based on this examination alone, without needing scans or tests.
- Initial Advice: Your GP will likely recommend simple pain relief, such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen. They will also provide advice on gentle exercises and adapting your activities to avoid aggravating the pain.
As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores frozen shoulder, how private physiotherapy can speed up recovery, and how PMI can help you access this care quickly and affordably.
WeCovr's guide to frozen shoulder and private physiotherapy options
That searing, persistent ache in your shoulder that just won't quit. The stiffness that makes simple tasks like brushing your hair or reaching for a seatbelt a painful ordeal. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a frozen shoulder. It’s a frustrating and debilitating condition, but the right treatment can make all the difference.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about frozen shoulder, from understanding the condition to exploring your treatment options on both the NHS and privately. We’ll show you how private medical insurance (PMI) can be your fastest route back to a pain-free life.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder: What Is It and Who Gets It?
Frozen shoulder, known in medical circles as 'adhesive capsulitis', is a condition where the flexible tissue surrounding your shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This tissue, called the capsule, essentially 'shrinks' around the joint, severely restricting your movement and causing significant pain.
According to the NHS, frozen shoulder affects around 1 in 20 people in the UK at some point in their lives. It typically develops slowly and progresses through three distinct stages.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Understanding which stage you are in can help you and your physiotherapist tailor your treatment for the best results.
| Stage | Name | Duration | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Freezing | 2 to 9 months | Your shoulder becomes increasingly painful. As the pain worsens, your range of motion starts to become limited. Pain is often worse at night. |
| Stage 2 | Frozen | 4 to 12 months | The pain may begin to lessen during this stage, but the stiffness gets worse. Your shoulder becomes very difficult to move, impacting daily activities. |
| Stage 3 | Thawing | 6 months to 2 years | The stiffness slowly starts to improve, and your range of motion gradually returns. Full recovery can take time, but most people regain good movement. |
Who is at Risk?
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder isn't always clear, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Age and Gender: It's most common in people aged between 40 and 60, and for reasons not fully understood, it affects women more often than men.
- Medical Conditions: People with certain conditions are more susceptible, particularly those with diabetes. Up to 20% of people with diabetes may develop frozen shoulder. Other linked conditions include an overactive or underactive thyroid, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.
- Immobility: If you've had to keep your shoulder still for a long time, perhaps after an injury (like a broken arm) or surgery, you are at a higher risk of the capsule tightening up.
Navigating the NHS for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
The NHS provides excellent care, and it is the first port of call for most people in the UK. Here’s a look at the typical journey you can expect if you seek NHS treatment for a frozen shoulder.
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Visit Your GP: Your journey begins with a visit to your GP. They will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder's range of motion. They can usually diagnose frozen shoulder based on this examination alone, without needing scans or tests.
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Initial Advice: Your GP will likely recommend simple pain relief, such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen. They will also provide advice on gentle exercises and adapting your activities to avoid aggravating the pain.
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Referral to Physiotherapy: If the pain and stiffness persist, your GP will refer you to an NHS physiotherapist. This is the cornerstone of treatment for frozen shoulder. However, this is often where delays can occur.
NHS Waiting Times: The Reality in 2025
While the NHS aims to start treatment within 18 weeks of a GP referral for many conditions, waiting lists for community services like physiotherapy can be long. Depending on your location, you could wait several months for your first appointment. In 2024, reports from organisations like the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy highlighted significant backlogs, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025.
For a condition where early intervention is key to managing pain and preventing long-term stiffness, these waits can be incredibly frustrating and can prolong your recovery.
NHS Treatment Options
Once you do see a physiotherapist, they will develop a programme for you, which may include:
- Stretching Exercises: Specific movements to gently stretch the shoulder capsule and improve your range of motion.
- Pain Management: Advice on using heat or cold packs and medication.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, a corticosteroid injection directly into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief, especially in the 'freezing' stage.
- Advanced Procedures: If physiotherapy and injections don't work, you might be referred for hydrodilatation (injecting sterile water into the joint to stretch the capsule) or, in rare cases, surgery to release the tight tissue.
While the quality of NHS physiotherapy is high, the frequency of sessions may be limited due to high demand. You might have one session every few weeks, with an expectation to do most of the exercises on your own at home.
Why Consider Private Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder?
For many people, the prospect of waiting months for treatment while in pain is simply not an option. This is where private physiotherapy comes in, offering a faster and more flexible path to recovery.
The primary benefits of going private are clear:
- Speed of Access: You can often book an initial consultation within days, not months. This allows you to start managing your pain and stiffness almost immediately, which can prevent the condition from worsening.
- Choice of Specialist: You have the freedom to research and choose a physiotherapist who specialises in musculoskeletal conditions like frozen shoulder.
- Flexible Appointments: Private clinics offer appointments at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends, so you don't have to take time off work.
- More Intensive Care: You can often have more frequent or longer sessions than you might get on the NHS, leading to more consistent progress.
- Continuity of Care: You will see the same physiotherapist for every session, ensuring they have a deep understanding of your progress and can adapt your treatment plan effectively.
NHS vs. Private Physiotherapy: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | NHS Physiotherapy | Private Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | Paid for per session or via insurance |
| Waiting Time | Can be several weeks or months | Typically within a few days |
| Choice of Physio | Assigned by the service | You choose your own therapist/clinic |
| Appointment Times | Usually during standard working hours | Flexible, including evenings/weekends |
| Session Frequency | Can be infrequent (e.g., every 2-4 weeks) | Tailored to your needs (e.g., weekly) |
| Continuity | You may see different therapists | Usually see the same therapist |
While private care offers significant advantages, the cost can be a barrier. That's where private medical insurance becomes invaluable.
How Private Medical Insurance Can Cover Your Physiotherapy Costs
Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the costs of treatment for acute conditions – health problems that are curable and likely to respond to treatment. Frozen shoulder fits this description perfectly. A good PMI policy can pay for your diagnosis, specialist consultations, and a full course of physiotherapy.
The Golden Rule: PMI is for NEW Conditions
This is the most important thing to understand about private health cover. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
A pre-existing condition is generally defined as any illness, injury, or symptom for which you have sought advice, diagnosis, or treatment in the five years before your policy starts.
- Example: If you saw your GP about shoulder pain a year before buying a PMI policy, and it's later diagnosed as frozen shoulder, your insurer will likely decline to cover it.
- Example: If your shoulder was perfectly fine when you took out your policy and you develop symptoms six months later, it will be considered a new, acute condition and should be covered.
It's also crucial to know that PMI does not cover chronic conditions – long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed (like diabetes or asthma). While frozen shoulder itself is acute, if it was caused by a chronic condition like diabetes, your policy would cover the frozen shoulder treatment but not the ongoing management of your diabetes.
The Process: Using Your PMI for Physio
Accessing private care through your insurance is usually a straightforward process:
- Get a GP Referral: Most insurers require a referral from your GP to ensure the treatment is medically necessary. They will provide a letter referring you to a specialist or physiotherapist. Some modern policies now offer direct access to services like physiotherapy via a telephone triage service, bypassing the need for a GP visit.
- Contact Your Insurer: Call your insurer's claims line to get your treatment pre-authorised. You’ll need your policy number and the details from your GP referral.
- Receive Authorisation: Your insurer will give you an authorisation number and tell you which specialists or clinics are covered under your plan. They will also confirm any limits on your cover.
- Book Your Appointment: You can then book your appointment with the authorised physiotherapist, giving them your policy and authorisation details. The clinic will usually bill your insurer directly.
Understanding Your Policy's 'Outpatient Cover'
Physiotherapy is classed as an 'outpatient' treatment, as it doesn't require an overnight hospital stay. The amount of outpatient cover you have is one of the most important parts of your policy.
- Limited Cover: Many entry-level policies have an annual limit on outpatient cover, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500. This is the total amount your insurer will pay for all your outpatient needs (consultations, scans, and therapies) in a policy year.
- Full Cover: More comprehensive policies offer full outpatient cover, meaning there is no financial limit on the amount of treatment you can have, as long as it's medically necessary.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand these limits and find a policy that provides the right level of cover for your peace of mind, without you overpaying for features you don't need.
Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for Physiotherapy
The private medical insurance UK market is crowded, with many providers offering different types of plans. Finding the best PMI provider depends on your individual needs and budget. Here’s a look at what some of the leading UK insurers typically offer for physiotherapy.
| Provider | Typical Outpatient Physio Cover | Key Features | Good for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Often generous limits or full cover available. Strong network of physiotherapists. | 'Fast Track' appointments and direct access to their 'Working Body' physio service on some plans. | People wanting quick access and a seamless digital experience. |
| Bupa | Comprehensive options with full outpatient cover. 'Direct Access' service for cancer and mental health. | Large network of hospitals and clinics. Strong brand reputation. Well-regarded for their customer service. | Those who value a large, established network and brand trust. |
| Vitality | Cover is often linked to their wellness programme. Outpatient limits vary by plan. | Rewards you for being active (e.g., Apple Watch, cinema tickets), which can also reduce your premium. | Individuals and families who are motivated by wellness incentives. |
| Aviva | Flexible plans where you can choose your level of outpatient cover, from basic to full. | 'Expert Select' option guides you to their recommended specialists. Strong digital tools via the 'MyAviva' app. | Customers who want a flexible policy from a major, trusted UK insurer. |
Navigating these options can be complex. Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is the easiest way to compare the market. We are not tied to any single insurer, so our advice is completely impartial. We'll help you find a policy with excellent physiotherapy cover that fits your budget, and our service is completely free to you.
What if I Don't Have Insurance? Self-Pay Physio Costs
If you don't have private health cover, you can choose to pay for private treatment yourself. This is known as 'self-paying'. While it gives you the same benefits of speed and choice, the costs can add up quickly.
Here are the typical costs for private physiotherapy in the UK for 2025:
| Service | Average Cost (UK wide) | Average Cost (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation (45-60 mins) | £60 – £90 | £80 – £120 |
| Follow-up Session (30 mins) | £45 – £70 | £60 – £90 |
A full course of treatment for frozen shoulder might require 10 to 20 sessions over several months.
- Potential Total Cost: An initial consultation plus 15 follow-up sessions could cost between £735 and £1,440.
If you also need a private steroid injection, this could add another £250 - £500 to the bill. This demonstrates how quickly the cost of self-funding can exceed the annual premium of a well-chosen PMI policy. (illustrative estimate)
Beyond Physio: Daily Habits to Support Your Recovery
Physiotherapy is vital, but your daily habits also play a huge role in how quickly you recover from a frozen shoulder. Here are some wellness tips to support your journey.
Gentle Movement is Key
Your physiotherapist will give you specific exercises, but gentle movement throughout the day is crucial.
- Pendulum Swings: Lean over, letting your affected arm hang down. Gently swing it in small circles, then forwards and backwards.
- Wall Walks: Stand facing a wall and 'walk' your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can.
- Important: Never push through sharp pain. The goal is gentle stretching, not forcing the movement.
Pain and Inflammation Management
- Heat or Cold: A warm compress or hot water bottle can help relax the muscles before stretching. An ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain after activity.
- Anti-inflammatory Diet: What you eat can influence inflammation levels in your body. Focus on a diet rich in:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts.
- Antioxidants: Found in colourful fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers.
- Turmeric and Ginger: These spices have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, which can help you track your nutrition and build a healthy, anti-inflammatory eating plan.
Sleep Smarter
Sleeping with shoulder pain is notoriously difficult.
- Try sleeping on your back with a pillow propped under your affected arm for support.
- If you're a side-sleeper, lie on your good side and hug a pillow to support your sore arm.
Adapt Your Activities
Be mindful of movements that trigger pain. Use your other arm for lifting, reaching, and carrying. Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Buying a policy with WeCovr not only gives you peace of mind but also practical benefits. Customers who purchase private medical or life insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family's finances across the board.
Is frozen shoulder covered by private medical insurance?
Do I need a GP referral to see a private physiotherapist with my insurance?
How much physiotherapy will my private health insurance cover?
What happens if my frozen shoulder becomes a long-term (chronic) problem?
Take the Next Step to Faster Recovery
A frozen shoulder can put your life on hold, but it doesn’t have to. With the right support, you can manage the pain, restore your movement, and get back to doing the things you love. Private medical insurance offers the fastest and most direct route to the expert care you need.
Don't let NHS waiting lists dictate the pace of your recovery. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly, expert advisors will compare top UK insurers to find you the best private health cover for your needs and budget, giving you the peace of mind to focus on getting better.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
