Hello Sharon.  I'm an osteopath based in Essex and I treat a lot of frozen shoulders.  See my website - www.fit4living.co.uk  It's important to make sure that's really what you've got - most GPs don't know how to diagnose them unless they're also an orthopaedic or musculoskeletal specialist.  If the doc just said capsulitis rather than adhesive capsulitis, then even if they are right this could just mean inflammation in the capsule without the sticky effect that the physio above describes.

I wouldn't recommend ice on the neck, this can be very uncomfortable and cause a stiff neck too.  A frozen shoulder presents as a marked restriction in all ranges (forwards, sideways, backwards, twisting), with severe pain only at the limit of movement (though there may be some aching in a relaxed position).  If someone else moves your arm for you, it will have exactly the same restriction and pain.  If it is easier when someone else lifts your arm, it is NOT frozen shoulder - it could be muscle, tendon or ligament injury, or a bursitis.

So assuming that is wat you've got - It is very hard but not impossible to treat yourself, but you need a conclusive diagnosis from a physical therapist.  The "painting the wall" exercise could be effective, but make sure your thumb is pointing upwards all the time to avoid causing another injury.  Both the treatment and exercise is painful, but the pain subsides with in a few minutes.  I don't generally believe the "no gain without pain" saying, but in this case it is true; I always find that if a patient is "pain phobic", they will struggle to make progress.  In this case you definitely need to deal with the emotional issues too.

The Neil-Asher technique is certainly effective, but it is only a collection of osteopathic techniques - any competent osteopath or chiropractor should be able to treat it.

If you find it difficult to sleep, try tucking a pillow between your elbows if on your side, or under your arm/ behind your shoulder when on your back.

DON'T just leave it - it will slowly get worse and as the physio said could take 2 or 3 years to stop hurting - usually leaving some restriction afterwards.

Hope this all helps;  try www.findanosteopath.co.uk for someone in your area.

Regards

Peter