Understanding Frozen Shoulder: A Guide to Diagnosis and Management

Frozen Shoulder is also known as Adhesive Capsulitis. It is a condition that initially a pain felt in the shoulder and then progresses to a feeling of stiffness and restricted mobility. It doesn't happen suddenly; instead, it starts slowly and then becomes worse over time. But don't worry, with time and some support, your symptoms can improve.

How Frozen Shoulder Starts:

Sometimes finding the reason “why” you have a frozen shoulder can be tricky, in the early stages it commonly feels like minor shoulder pain with small amounts of stiffness.

There are 2 main ways we understand about how a frozen shoulder starts…

1.    Primary: This is what we call Idiopathic – in other words we don’t know why it started, this one can be quite frustrating!

2.    Secondary: This is from a known cause like an injury or trauma, a surgical event or relating to some other predisposing factor (more on these below)

Factors that Increase the Risk:

As mentioned above, certain things can increase your chances of developing frozen shoulder, such as:

• Age: People between 35-60 years of age are more likely to get it.

• Women: Aged 35-60 are statistically more likely to get it.

• Immobility: If you've had surgery or trauma to your shoulder that requires you to keep it still for a long time, you might be at higher risk.

• Systemic Disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can also increase your risk.

• Gender: Statistically, women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.

• Previous History: If you've had frozen shoulder before, you might be more prone to getting it again.

Common Symptoms:

When you have a frozen shoulder, you might notice:

1. Pain: Moving your shoulder can be painful, especially in the early stages.

2. Stiffness: Your shoulder feels tight and it's hard to move it as freely as before.

3. Limited Range of Motion: You might find it difficult to reach up or behind your back like you used to.

4. Discomfort at Night: Sometimes, the pain gets worse when you're trying to sleep.

The Stages of Frozen Shoulder:

There are usually three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: This is when the pain starts, and it can last for about 2-9 months. Moving your shoulder becomes uncomfortable.

2. Frozen Stage: Even though the pain might lessen during this stage, your shoulder gets even stiffer, lasting up to 12 months.

3. Thawing Stage: This is when things start to get better. Moving your shoulder becomes easier again. You will reach this phase after approximately 12 months, and you will start to notice some improvement in movement and little to no pain. The movement will normally release over the next 6 to 12 months.

At Fieldwork, we like to think of it in two stages because we're here to support you all the way to the thawing stage.

How We Can Help

Treatment options.

1)      Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can help diagnose your condition and create a personalized plan to assist you through the stages of frozen shoulder.

2)      Education: We'll provide guidance on modifying activities to make them easier on your shoulder and improving your sleep quality.

3)      Exercise: Specific exercises can help improve your shoulder mobility and strength.

4)      Massage: Massage therapy can help manage pain and provide temporary relief.

5)      Doctor: Talk to you doctor about pain management. Your doctor might recommend medication or cortisone injections to help manage your symptoms.

Fieldwork Clinic's Approach

Pain management is paramount, especially in the early stages of recovery. At Fieldwork Clinic, we offer a range of effective techniques to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Here's how we can help:

• Dry Needling: A precise method targeting trigger points in muscles, promoting relaxation and pain relief.

• Soft Tissue Massage: Gentle manipulation to release tension and enhance flexibility in the affected area.

• Activity Modification: Guidance on adjusting daily tasks to reduce strain on the shoulder, aiding in pain management and recovery.

• Strength exercises: excluding end-range loading, are incorporated for rehabilitation.

If you're experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support. With the right approach, you can successfully navigate through this challenging condition and get back to doing the things you love. Contact Fieldwork Health and book an appointment if you believe you might have frozen shoulder and we can take the steps to get you on the road for recovery!