Frozen Shoulder - what is it and how to deal with it.
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin slowly, then get worse. Over time, symptoms get better, usually within 1 to 3 years.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, becomes thickened and tight. This leads to the formation of scar tissue, which restricts movement and causes pain. The condition progresess through three stages - freezing, frozen and thawing - each affecting your range of motion differently.
Causes of frozen shoulder
Understanding the causes of frozen shoulder is crucial for effective management and prevention. Here are some common causes:
Idiopathic: often, frozen shoulder develops without a clear reason, known as idiopathic frozen shoulder
Post-Surgery: frozen shoulder can occur after surgical procedures, especially those involving the shoulder or chest
Post-injury: injuries such as fractures or rotator cuff tears can lead to frozen shoulder
Risk factors for frozen shoulder include:
Age and gender: People aged 40-60, particularly women, are more prone to developing frozen shoulder
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk
Immobility: Prolonged shoulder immobility due to surgery, illness or injury increases the risk
Systemic Conditions: Conditions like thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease and parkinsons disease are associated with frozen shoulder
Symptoms of frozen shoulder:
Frozen shoulder typically presents with stiffness and pain in one shoulder, limiting yoru baility to move your arm. The condition progresses through three stages:
Freezing stage: gradual onset of pain, especially during extreme arm movements and difficulty sleeping
Frozen stage: significant reduction in range of motion, with pain only during extreme movements
Thawing stage: gradual improvement in range of motion over several months or even years
It's important to note that frozen shoulder can be confused with other shoulder conditions like rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, or shoulder impingement. This is why obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Do’s and Don’ts for managing frozen shoulder - while waiting for professional diagnosis, here are some general guidelines:
Do
Stay active without overexerting yourself.
Use hot and cold compresses to manage pain.
Maintain good posture to avoid straining the unaffected shoulder.
Move your arm as much as is comfortable to prevent stiffness.
Don’t
Keep your shoulder completely immobile
Self-diagnose without a proper assessment.
Ignore pain or try to push through it.
When to see a Physiotherapist
If you experience ongoing shoulder stiffness and pain which doesn’t improve wih rest, it is time to see a physiotherapist. At Peak Performance Clinic, our experienced Physiotherapists can accurately diagnose frozen shoulder through a comprehensive assessment. This includes taking a detailed medical hisotry, observing your posture and range of movement and possibly imaging tests. They will then provide you with advice and personalised rehabilitation exercises to guide you in treating your shoulder.
Why choose Peak Performance Clinic in Long Buckby?
At Peak Performance Clinic, we are dedicated to improving your quality of life through expert Physiotherapy, Massage and tailored fitness plans. Our modern, state-of-the-art facility in Warwick is equipped to provide the highest standard of care. We specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your frozen shoulder.
Don’t let frozen shoulder hold you back. Book an appointment with us today and start your journey towards recovery. Whether you're using private health insurance or self-funding, our goal is to help you return to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
