Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Stages and Treatment
· Manual Therapy
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition marked by pain and restricted movement in the shoulder joint, and it can make daily life difficult. It usually begins slowly, becomes more pronounced over time, and the process can be lengthy. It is most often seen between the ages of 40 and 60.
What is frozen shoulder?
The connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint is called the shoulder capsule. In frozen shoulder, this capsule thickens and tightens, and the fluid that keeps the joint moving smoothly decreases. As a result, shoulder movement becomes progressively harder. The less the shoulder is used, the stiffer the capsule can become — creating a vicious circle.
Symptoms
The two most distinctive symptoms are pain and restricted movement. The pain is usually dull or aching; it can be felt not only in the shoulder but also in the upper arm, and it can worsen at night and disturb sleep.
Stages
Frozen shoulder usually runs through three stages:
- The freezing stage: Movement-related pain is pronounced and restriction begins. It can last for months.
- The frozen stage: The pain may ease somewhat, but stiffness dominates and everyday tasks become harder.
- The thawing stage: Range of movement is gradually regained; this stage can take a long time.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not always known. It is more common in women and between the ages of 40 and 60. Prolonged restriction of shoulder movement (for example, after an injury or surgery) increases the risk. Diabetes, thyroid conditions and some chronic illnesses can also be associated.
Diagnosis
There is no single test specific to frozen shoulder. The diagnosis is reached by evaluating the person’s history and the physical examination together. Where needed, imaging may be requested by a physician to rule out other problems.
The physiotherapy approach
Frozen shoulder improves over time in most cases; however, the process can be long. Starting physiotherapy early matters for keeping the shoulder functional and managing pain. At our clinic, the process is addressed with manual therapy, physiotherapy treatments and individualised exercise follow-up. The aim is to manage pain and gradually support the range of movement.
Stretching and range-of-movement exercises contribute both to the process and to prevention; however, the exercises should be planned individually. For this reason, it is advisable to consult your physiotherapist before starting.
If you have ongoing pain and stiffness in your shoulder, you are welcome to contact us for an assessment.