When I first decided to pursue treatment for my frozen shoulder, I knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. Still, I didn’t fully understand just how much patience, persistence, and the right mindset would shape my journey. Now, as I reflect on the process, I want to share what this experience has taught me—not just about recovery, but about myself.
The Beginning of the Journey
It all started with a four-day trip to Canada. I had learned about a treatment that could potentially restore movement in my shoulder, and after months of living with pain and limitation, I decided to take the leap.
The procedure was scheduled for Saturday, but I arrived two days early to settle in and mentally prepare. The first two days were spent exploring the city, reconnecting with a childhood friend, and distracting myself from the nerves that crept in every time I thought about what was ahead.
On the day of the procedure, I woke up before dawn, ready to head to the clinic. I wasn’t alone—seven others were there, each taking the same leap of faith. Seeing them brought me an unexpected sense of comfort. We were all strangers, but in that moment, I felt less isolated in my struggle.
The procedure itself went smoothly. When I woke up, there was some pain, but it was manageable with medication. What amazed me the most were the immediate results. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could lift my arm high. Even though I still needed support from my other hand, it felt like I was rediscovering something I’d lost.
But as they say, the procedure is just the first step. The real work begins afterward.
The Power of Patience and Persistence

Recovery came with a strict protocol of hourly exercises. Yes, hourly—even through the night. My nurse stayed with me to ensure I didn’t skip a session. She would wake me up every hour, guiding me through each movement to maintain the range of motion gained during the procedure.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—it was exhausting. By the end of the first day, my body was sore, my mind was foggy, and I was already questioning my ability to stick with the routine.
This is where patience and persistence came into play. Recovery isn’t instant, and progress doesn’t happen in big leaps. It’s the small, consistent efforts that make all the difference. At times, I felt frustrated, wondering why my body couldn’t just heal on its own. But I reminded myself that this was part of the process, and every exercise was a step closer to my goal.
By the second night, I found myself celebrating the tiniest wins—reaching just a little higher, moving with slightly less discomfort. Each milestone, no matter how small, became a reminder that persistence pays off.
Reflecting on Mental and Emotional Hurdles
While the physical demands of recovery were significant, the mental and emotional challenges were equally tough. There were moments of doubt, fear, and even guilt. I found myself asking questions like, “Why did this happen to me?” and “Why can’t my body just bounce back like it used to?”
These thoughts are normal, but they can be heavy if left unchecked. What helped me the most was acknowledging them without letting them take over. I gave myself permission to feel frustrated, tired, and even angry, but I also made space for gratitude and hope.
Another challenge was balancing recovery with the rest of life. After returning home, I jumped straight back into the chaos of family responsibilities. There were kids to care for, a home to manage, and work to juggle—all while waking up every three hours to do my exercises. It was overwhelming at times, but I leaned on my support system, which made all the difference.
The Role of Mindset in Healing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s the incredible power of mindset. Healing isn’t just about following a physical routine—it’s about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being too.
From the very beginning, I made a conscious effort to focus on what I could control. I couldn’t speed up the healing process or make the pain disappear, but I could show up for myself every day. I could celebrate progress, no matter how small. I could choose to be grateful for the opportunity to heal.
One of the biggest mindset shifts was learning to appreciate the process instead of rushing toward the outcome. Yes, I wanted my arm to feel normal again as soon as possible, but I also realized that recovery is a journey, not a race. Each exercise, each moment of discomfort, was a part of that journey—and it was shaping me into someone stronger and more resilient.
I also leaned into visualization. When the exercises felt repetitive or discouraging, I would close my eyes and picture myself doing the things I missed—lifting my kids, reaching for a book on a high shelf, or simply moving without pain. These mental images kept me motivated and reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place.
Small Wins and Gratitude

One of the most powerful tools in my recovery was gratitude. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do yet, I chose to celebrate what I could do. Being able to wash my hair, put on deodorant, or dress myself without struggle felt like monumental victories.
Even the act of sleeping, despite waking up every three hours, felt like a gift. I hadn’t slept well in months, and the improvement in my rest was a silver lining I hadn’t expected.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges, but it shifts your focus. It helps you see the progress you’ve made instead of getting stuck on how far you have to go.
The Importance of a Support System
I couldn’t have navigated this journey without the people around me. From the nurse who patiently guided me through every exercise to my friend Cris, who accompanied me on this adventure, pampering me with treats and good food, I was surrounded by support.
At home, my partner Will held everything together—caring for the kids, keeping routines in place, and making sure I had the space to focus on my recovery. My parents and brother were also there, cheering me on and reminding me that I wasn’t in this alone.
And then there were the messages, calls, and gestures of kindness from friends and family. Every “thinking of you” text, every offer of help, and every word of encouragement lifted my spirits and kept me going.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that healing isn’t a solo journey. Having a support system makes all the difference.
Moving Forward

Now, as I continue this journey, I’m still tired and sore, but I’m also filled with hope. I know there will be more hurdles ahead, but I’m ready to face them with patience, persistence, and a positive mindset.
Healing takes time, but every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward a stronger, healthier me.
Your Turn
If you’re on your own journey to recovery, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel frustrated, tired, or even discouraged. But remember, you’re stronger than you think, and every small step counts.
I’d love to hear about your experiences. Have you faced a challenge that required patience and persistence? What helped you stay motivated? Let’s connect in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
One step at a time, my friend 💚!
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