Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and progressively reduced movement in the shoulder. Simple activities such as reaching overhead, dressing, combing your hair, or reaching behind your back can become difficult.
Frozen shoulder often develops gradually and can take several months to improve. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and stages can help you seek appropriate treatment at the right time.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed, thickened, and tightened. This can restrict the normal movement of the shoulder and make everyday activities increasingly difficult.
The condition typically develops gradually rather than appearing suddenly. Pain and stiffness may increase over time, followed by a period where shoulder movement becomes significantly restricted.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
1. Shoulder Immobilisation
Keeping the shoulder still for an extended period can contribute to stiffness and loss of movement. This may happen following:
- A shoulder injury
- Surgery
- Fracture
- Prolonged rest
- Another condition that makes shoulder movement difficult
2. Previous Shoulder Problems
Existing shoulder pain or reduced movement can sometimes lead to decreased use of the joint. Over time, this may contribute to increasing stiffness.
3. Certain Health Conditions
Frozen shoulder is more common in people with certain underlying health conditions, particularly diabetes. Other systemic conditions may also be associated with an increased risk.
4. Increasing Age
Frozen shoulder is most commonly seen in adults between approximately 40 and 60 years of age.
5. Sometimes There Is No Clear Cause
Frozen shoulder can also develop without an obvious injury, surgery, or underlying condition. This is sometimes referred to as primary or idiopathic frozen shoulder.
What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
The most common symptoms are shoulder pain and progressive stiffness.
You may notice difficulty with movements such as:
- Raising your arm overhead
- Reaching behind your back
- Putting on or removing clothing
- Reaching for objects on a shelf
- Sleeping comfortably on the affected side
- Performing everyday household or work activities
The stiffness can gradually become more noticeable and may significantly affect your normal routine.
The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is commonly described in three stages:
Freezing Stage
Pain gradually increases and shoulder movement begins to become restricted. Activities that require moving the arm may become increasingly uncomfortable.
Frozen Stage
Pain may begin to settle in some cases, but significant stiffness remains. Shoulder movement can become considerably limited.
Thawing Stage
Shoulder movement gradually improves and normal activities become easier as mobility returns.
The duration of each stage can vary considerably between individuals.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing frozen shoulder and restoring shoulder function.
At DrNGR Physioclinic, treatment begins with a detailed assessment of your shoulder movement, pain, strength, functional limitations, and contributing factors.
Depending on your condition and stage of recovery, rehabilitation may include:
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Progressive stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Movement retraining
- Manual therapy where clinically appropriate
- Activity modification
- Guidance for managing symptoms at home
The rehabilitation programme is adjusted according to your response and progress rather than following a fixed exercise routine.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Consider getting your shoulder assessed if pain or stiffness:
- Continues for several weeks
- Gradually gets worse
- Restricts your daily activities
- Makes sleeping difficult
- Limits your ability to raise or rotate your arm
- Develops following an injury or surgery
Early assessment can help identify the likely cause of your shoulder problem and determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Takeaway
Frozen shoulder can significantly affect shoulder movement and everyday activities, but appropriate assessment and rehabilitation can help manage symptoms and restore function.
Understanding what causes frozen shoulder is an important first step, but treatment should be based on your individual symptoms, movement limitations, stage of the condition, and functional goals.
At DrNGR Physioclinic, rehabilitation is personalised around your assessment and adjusted as your mobility, strength, and symptoms change.