Frozen Shoulder

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is an extremely painful condition in which the shoulder is completely or partially unmovable (stiff). Frozen shoulder often starts out of the blue, however it can also be triggered by a mild injury to the shoulder. The condition usually goes through three phases, starting with pain, then stiffness and finally a stage of resolution as the pain eases and most of the movement returns. This process may take a long time, sometimes as long as two or more years.

Frozen shoulder may be associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease. It may follow surgery or an injury to the shoulder.

The lining of the shoulder joint, known as the ‘capsule’, is normally a very flexible elastic structure. It’s looseness and elasticity allows the huge range of motion that the shoulder has. With a frozen shoulder this capsule (and its ligaments) becomes inflamed, swollen, red and contracted. Therefore the normal elasticity is lost and pain and stiffness set in.

Characteristics/ Clinical presentation

Typically frozen shoulder develops slowly, and in three phases:

Freezing phase: Your pain increases with movement and is often worse at night. There is a progressive loss of motion with the increasing pain. Usually, this stage lasts approximately 2 to 9 months.

Frozen phase: Pain begins to diminish, however, the range of motion is now much more limited, as much as 50 percent less than in the other arm. This stage may last 4 to 12 months.

Thawing phase: The condition may begin to resolve. Most patients experience a gradual restoration of motion over the next 12 to 42 months

 

Clinical Diagnosis

A frozen shoulder can be diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Inability to lift your arm above shoulder height

  • Difficulty reaching out to the side or behind (e.g. reaching for a seat belt)

  • Inability to throw a ball or perform overhead activities

  • Trouble quickly reaching for something (e.g. reacting to catch a falling object)

  • Difficulty reaching behind your back (e.g. fastening a bra or tucking in a shirt)

  • Pain or discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder, especially at night

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

While many frozen shoulders improve significantly over 2 to 4 years without treatment, the associated pain and movement limitations often require intervention.

The type of treatment depends on the severity of pain and stiffness, and may include:

  • Physiotherapy aims to prevent further stiffness and gradually restore range of motion.
  • Steroid Injections can reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief. They are most effective in the early stages of frozen shoulder.
  • Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms.
  • Surgery has been shown to be of benefit in both the early and later stages of a Frozen Shoulder. It is excellent for both pain relief and restoring movement, with a success rate of 96% at 6 months. Intensive physiotherapy is essential after the surgery.

Here at Comfort Health

 

At Comfort Health we offer a range of treatments; Physiotherapy, Steroid Injections, Acupuncture and Sports Massage. All of which can help when struggling with a frozen shoulder.

 

If you feel like you could benefit from a treatment from one of our practitioners Click Here and book in today. Or use the links above to find out more about our services.