Conditions we Treat
Frozen Shoulder
Introduction.
Frozen shoulder can make everyday tasks such as reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt or getting dressed surprisingly difficult. The pain and stiffness often develop gradually and may worsen before improving. Although recovery can take time, most people improve with appropriate management. A thorough assessment is the best way to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most suitable treatment options.
What is it?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes painful, thickened and stiff. This restricts movement in all directions and can make even simple activities uncomfortable. It typically develops gradually and often progresses through painful, stiff and recovery phases over many months.
Symptoms.
Frozen shoulder usually begins with increasing shoulder pain followed by progressive stiffness that limits everyday movements, particularly reaching overhead or behind your back. Night pain is common and may disturb sleep. Seek medical advice promptly if shoulder pain follows significant trauma, is associated with fever, unexplained swelling, marked deformity or sudden inability to move the arm after an injury.
Causes.
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule. It is more common between the ages of 40 and 60 and is seen more frequently in people with diabetes or following a period of shoulder immobility after injury or surgery. In many cases, however, no clear cause is identified.
How we can help…
Following a detailed assessment, we will explain whether your symptoms are consistent with frozen shoulder and discuss the management options available. Depending on your presentation, this may include manual therapy, rehabilitation, education and advice where clinically appropriate. Treatment recommendations are always based on your assessment findings, goals and preferences, and referral may be advised if indicated.
Rehabilitation and self-management.
Managing frozen shoulder often involves keeping the shoulder moving within comfortable limits while avoiding activities that significantly aggravate symptoms. Gentle mobility exercises, sensible activity modification and maintaining general fitness can all support recovery. As recovery varies considerably, advice should always be tailored to your individual stage of the condition.
What to expect at your assessment.
Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and how your shoulder affects daily activities. We will assess your shoulder movement and carry out an appropriate physical examination before explaining our findings clearly. If imaging or referral to another healthcare professional is clinically appropriate, we will discuss this with you.
What happens next.
After your assessment, we will explain the likely diagnosis, discuss your expected recovery and outline the management options available. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised management plan and monitor your progress over time. Frozen shoulder often improves gradually, but recovery varies between individuals depending on the stage and severity of the condition.