Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, technically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common disorder affecting two per cent of the general population with symptoms of pain and loss of motion or stiffness in the shoulder.  It is more common in women between the ages of 40-70 years of age.

As with many disorders it is not known what causes a frozen shoulder. 

The process involves thickening and contracture of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.  A physiotherapist can diagnose a frozen shoulder based on the client's symptoms and signs which are investigated at an initial examination.  X-rays or MRI studies are sometimes used to rule out any other muscular or soft tissue injury in the affected shoulder which could be causing pain and stiffness also such as a muscle tendon tear.

Risk factors for a frozen shoulder
¥ more common with individuals who have diabetes, affecting 10-20 per cent of diabetics
¥ Thyroid problems either underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
¥ Parkinson's disease
¥ Cardiac or breast surgery - sometimes a frozen shoulder can develop as the shoulder movement is compromised by the pain from the surgery which can lead to reduced shoulder movement.  
Symptoms
¥ Dull ache in shoulder
¥ Increased shoulder pain with decreased shoulder movement
¥ Pain located in the outer shoulder area and occasionally the upper arm
¥ Restricted movement and motion of the shoulder joint

Three stages of a frozen shoulder
Stage one - In the "freezing" stage which may last from six weeks to nine months; the client develops a slow onset of pain.  As pain increases the shoulder movement decreases.
Stage two - The "frozen" stage is marked by slow improvement in pain but stiffness remains.  This stage can last four to six months.
Stage three - The "thawing" stage is during a slow improvement in shoulder movement, eventually returning to normal.  This stage generally lasts five to 26 months.

Treatment options:
Frozen shoulder will generally get better on its own. 
However this takes some time and could extend up to three years. 
As long as there is no other shoulder soft tissue damage the recovery can be slow but has a good result.  
Treatment is aimed at reducing pain relief and restoration of shoulder range of motion.  Pain relief can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and ice or heat packs or occasionally corticosteroid injections. 
To restore motion, physiotherapy is usually started in the form of a home exercise program created by your physiotherapist. Exercises include shoulder stretching and exercises for movement at the shoulder.

Thanks for reading!