Frozen Shoulder Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your shoulder is stuck, and it's wearing you down.
You can't reach the top shelf, fasten a bra, or tuck in your shirt. It aches at night and wakes you up. It started slowly, maybe for no clear reason, and now it barely moves. You've been told it will "go away on its own," but no one has told you how long, or what to do in the meantime.
You deserve clear answers, relief you can feel, and a plan to get your motion back.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
What we help with
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) in every stage
Painful night aching and trouble sleeping
Loss of reach overhead, behind your back, and out to the side
Stiffness after a shoulder injury or surgery
Shoulder stiffness for people with diabetes or thyroid conditions
Getting back to lifting, golf, and daily life
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We measure how your shoulder moves, figure out which stage you're in, and explain what that means in clear, simple language. Treatment for a painful early-stage shoulder looks very different from treatment for a stiff late-stage shoulder.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling to calm pain, and a home program that matches your stage, then build strength as your motion returns.
What to expect
Frozen shoulder takes longer than most shoulder problems, and it often moves through a painful stage, a stiff stage, and a thawing stage. The right care can ease your pain, help you sleep, and get your motion back sooner. We'll be honest about your timeline and track your progress in real numbers along the way.
What our clients say
"I went to her with a frozen shoulder and in lots of pain. I couldn't lift my arm at all. Other therapists didn't even touch me and gave me silly exercises… after a long year I can lift my arm above my head."
Judith R. ★★★★★
"I've had 10 years of shoulder pain. I've tried my own doctors and multiple Urgent Care facilities with little to no effect. My first session at Chardon Performance Therapy was so successful not only in pain relief but also in the staff educating me on why I was in pain."
Jesse N. ★★★★★
"I have had shoulder problems for years and have seen many different people. Nothing has ever worked. Dave does a great job of finding the problem and coming up with a solution!"
Jessica M. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait it out alone, months of pain and lost sleep can add up, and other parts of your body start to compensate. You don't have to just wait.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Will my frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Many do improve over time, but it can take a year or more, and some people never get all their motion back. Physical therapy helps manage pain and restore motion so you're not just waiting.
Should I push through the pain when I stretch?
Not in the painful stage. Pushing too hard can flare it up. We'll match your exercises to your stage so you make progress without setbacks.
Can I combine physical therapy with an injection?
Yes. Many people do well with a steroid injection from their physician combined with physical therapy. We're happy to coordinate with your doctor.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If you can't move your arm after a fall, your shoulder looks deformed, you have a fever or a hot, red joint, or shoulder pain comes with chest pain or shortness of breath, see a physician or go to urgent care right away.
More shoulder help: Thoracic Spine Mobility for Rounded Shoulders (video) · ITY Raises for Upper Back Activation (video) · Face Pull for Shoulder Stability (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.