Frozen Shoulder Advice – Why is my Shoulder Frozen?

Tags – Frozen Shoulder Advice – Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder, also known as “Adhesive Capsulitis” can be worrying, and a cause of pain in the shoulder. 

Stiffness of the shoulder joint usually develops slowly over time, due to thickening and inflammation of the surrounding joint tissue. This can also lead to a lack of lubrication accessing the shoulder capsule.

This often results in a loss of shoulder function, making reaching overhead and simple activities difficult to perform.

Typically, pain tends to accompany joint stiffness. Pain can often be experienced around the shoulder area and  may radiate down the arm. These symptoms can worsen at night, making sleeping difficult.

There are typically three phases of frozen shoulder. However, each can differentiate between person to person.

Freezing Stage 

1. May last from 6 to 9 months
2. Progressively gets worse over time
3. Limited range of movement 
4. Pain on shoulder movements

Frozen Stage

1. May last from 4 to 12 months 
2. Pain may ease but stiffness may worsen 
3. Range of movement becomes difficult

Thawing Stage

1. Can last from 6 months to 2 years
2. Range of movement becomes to normalise

Added Information on Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder is usually most prevalent between the ages of 40-60.  Also, Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder in comparison to men.

In addition, you may be more likely to develop frozen shoulder if you have diabetes, as about 10-20% of people with diabetes get it, compared to the 2% within the general population.  

A history of thyroid problems, previous trauma or surgery to the shoulder, or past issues with rotator cuff tendons, increase the risk of Adhesive Capsulitis.

What to Do

If shoulder pain does happen, don’t panic, as there are many potential causes of shoulder pain. 

This is why, it is essential to get a thorough assessment done by a professional to determine the cause of shoulder pain. There are many factors to consider in order to form an accurate diagnosis and the professional should be able to explain that to you. 

Once this is determined the necessary treatment and advice can be given to help speed up your recovery.

To learn further about our osteopathic service and how we can help with your frozen shoulder, please check here.

And, to book an appointment, please check here.