Understanding frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain and stiffness. It can significantly limit the range of motion in the shoulder, making everyday activities challenging. This article will explore frozen shoulder, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the road to recovery. 

Causes of frozen shoulder 

The exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development: 

Injury or trauma: A shoulder injury or surgery can lead to prolonged immobilisation, which may trigger a frozen shoulder. 

Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders may increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. 

Age and gender: Individuals over 40, especially women, are more prone to developing this condition. 

Immobility: Prolonged periods of shoulder immobility, such as wearing a sling or cast, can lead to a frozen shoulder. 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder 

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages, each with distinct symptoms: 

Freezing stage: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Range of motion becomes limited. 

Frozen stage: Pain may diminish, but stiffness persists, making it difficult to perform daily activities. 

Thawing stage: Range of motion slowly improves, and most individuals regain normal shoulder function over time. 

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder 

Consult with an expert: An Accredited Hand Therapist is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with expertise in the finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Diagnosing a frozen shoulder typically involves: 

Medical history: Your healthcare provider will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant activities or injuries. 

Physical examination: A physical examination to assess pain, stiffness, and range of motion in the affected shoulder. 

Imaging: X-rays or MRI scans may be performed to rule out other shoulder conditions and assess the extent of shoulder damage. 

Treatment for frozen shoulder 

Consult with an expert: An Accredited Hand Therapist is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with expertise in the finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

The treatment approach for frozen shoulder aims to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and facilitate recovery. It may include: 

Rehabilitation exercises: Engaging in exercises and stretches to improve shoulder flexibility and strength. 

Heat and ice: Applying heat and ice to the affected shoulder can help reduce pain and inflammation. 

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation. 

Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can reduce pain and inflammation. 

Hydrodilatation: In some cases, a sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve the range of motion. 

Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be considered to release the joint capsule. 

Recovery from frozen shoulder 

Recovery from frozen shoulder can be a lengthy process, but most individuals gradually regain full shoulder function over time. Important considerations during recovery include: 

Patience: Frozen shoulder often improves slowly. Be patient and consistent with your treatment plan. 

Rehabilitation exercises: Continue with exercises and stretches prescribed by an Accredited Hand Therapist to regain shoulder mobility and strength. 

Pain management: Use pain relief strategies as needed to manage discomfort. 

Activity modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms and follow your Accredited Hand Therapist's recommendations to return to normal activities gradually.

Find a local Accredited Hand Therapist

Patients can find a local Accredited Hand Therapist on our website using the link below.

Find an Accredited Hand Therapist