Frozen Shoulder (or Adhesive Capsulitis) is a debilitating condition that presents with significant pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Although the pain can be local to the shoulder, it can also cause pain into the upper arm. Due to the severe stiffness and lack of movement people experience with frozen shoulder, it can also lead to secondary issues with the neck on the same side. It is known as a self-limiting disease, which means you cannot “cure” a frozen shoulder, but it can be massively improved and managed with physiotherapy and other interventions.
There are certain conditions or risk factors that may predispose people to developing a frozen shoulder. Some of the risk factors include:
- Recent shoulder surgery or injury – lack of movement at the shoulder for a prolonged period can predispose the development of a frozen shoulder
- Age and gender – you are more likely to suffer with a frozen shoulder if you are aged between 40 and 65. Females are also much more likely to develop them rather than men
- Endocrine disorders – people with diabetes or thyroid problems are at a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder
It is known as a particularly nasty condition due it’s self-limiting nature and the fact that it can take anywhere as little as six months, but as long as two to three years to resolve. There are three main phases to a frozen shoulder:
- The freezing stage – where movement deteriorates and pain increases
- The frozen stage – where it plateaus – doesn’t get better and doesn’t get any worse
- The thawing stage – where movement improves and pain reduces
Our therapists will begin your assessment first by discussing the history of the injury, taking a clear medical history and finding out just how your shoulder is affecting you. We will then assess both the movement and strength of the shoulder, as well as performing specific tests, to diagnose a frozen shoulder. We can then work with you to formulate a treatment plan.
Physiotherapy can provide help in regaining movement and independence whilst also reducing pain. Treatment for a frozen shoulder can include:
- Structed exercise programs that are progressed as and when each individual patient is ready
- Manual therapy
- Acupuncture
Frozen shoulder is one of the few conditions we treat that we advise steroid injections for as a first-line treatment. Research overwhelmingly supports the use of injections early on in the disease process. It has been found to greatly reduce long-term pain and improve function. But early injection is key – so therefore getting it assessed as quickly as possible is important. Read more about our ultrasound-guided steroid injection service here.
