Do I Have a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterised by severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It typically progresses through stages, and understanding its symptoms can help you identify if you might have a frozen shoulder which can be a terribly tough and painful issue. The primary sign of a frozen shoulder is pain, often located deep within the shoulder and worsened with movement. This pain can be persistent and limit your ability to perform daily activities that involve arm and shoulder movements, such as reaching overhead or behind your back.

Another hallmark symptom of a frozen shoulder is a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. You may struggle to raise your arm, rotate it, or lift it sideways. The stiffness and restricted mobility in the shoulder joint are prominent indicators of this condition. The limited range of motion is often progressive, worsening over time as the situation develops.

Additionally, you may notice that the symptoms of a frozen shoulder have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Pain and discomfort in the shoulder can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to disturbed sleep patterns. As a result, you may experience fatigue and irritability due to inadequate rest.

If you suspect you have a frozen shoulder due to persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, it is essential to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare professional, typically an orthopedic specialist or a physiotherapist, can assess your symptoms and medical history and conduct physical examinations to diagnose a frozen shoulder accurately. They may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including physiotherapy, pain management, and occasionally corticosteroid injections, can help manage the condition effectively and improve shoulder function.

When Should you See a Physiotherapist for Frozen Shoulder?

It is advisable to see a physiotherapist for a frozen shoulder as soon as you experience symptoms such as persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Early intervention can significantly improve the outcomes and prevent the condition from worsening. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a physiotherapist or an orthopedic specialist, for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the management of frozen shoulder. They can provide you with specific exercises and stretches designed to improve the flexibility and mobility of your shoulder joint. These exercises are tailored to your condition and are aimed at gradually increasing your range of motion. Physiotherapists also use manual techniques such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue manipulation to alleviate pain and improve the mobility of the shoulder.

Additionally, physiotherapists can guide you on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent further aggravation. They can also teach you self-management techniques and home exercises that you can perform regularly to enhance your shoulder's flexibility and strength.

If your symptoms are severe, or if conservative treatments like physiotherapy exercises and pain management are not providing relief, your healthcare provider might consider other interventions, such as corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgical procedures. In such instances, your physiotherapist can work closely with your healthcare team to provide pre and post-operative rehabilitation to optimise your recovery.

In summary, if you suspect you have a frozen shoulder or are experiencing symptoms of shoulder pain and stiffness, consulting a physiotherapist early on can help initiate appropriate treatment, improve your shoulder mobility, and prevent further complications. Remember that individual cases vary, so it's crucial to seek professional guidance tailored to your specific condition and needs.

How does a Frozen Shoulder Occur?

A frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint's capsule, a connective tissue structure that surrounds and encases the joint. Anatomically, a frozen shoulder involves inflammation, thickening, and tightening of the joint capsule, leading to pain and significant restriction of movement. While the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is unclear, it often develops after periods of immobilisation or lack of use due to injuries, surgeries, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

During the initial stages of a frozen shoulder, the synovial membrane that lines the inner surface of the joint capsule becomes inflamed, leading to increased production of synovial fluid. This excess fluid and inflammation can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder. As the condition progresses, the inflammatory response triggers the production of fibrous tissue within the joint capsule. This fibrous tissue gradually thickens and contracts, leading to the tightening of the tablet. As a result, the shoulder joint loses its average elasticity and becomes stiff, limiting both active and passive movement.

The thickening and tightening of the joint capsule create adhesions, which are abnormal bands of tissue that restrict the shoulder's movement further. The adhesions can form between the joint capsule and the surrounding structures, including the humerus (upper arm bone), tendons, and ligaments. This adhesive process significantly reduces the joint's flexibility and leads to the characteristic symptoms of a frozen shoulder, including pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Physiotherapy, which focuses on stretching exercises, joint mobilisations, and gradual mobilisation techniques, aims to break down these adhesions and improve the shoulder's mobility and function in individuals with frozen shoulders.

What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?

The condition typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages:

Freezing Stage:

During this stage, the shoulder gradually becomes more painful, and the range of motion starts to decrease. This stage can last for several weeks to several months.

Frozen Stage:

In this stage, the pain may stabilize or decrease slightly, but the shoulder remains stiff, making it challenging to perform everyday activities. This stage can last for several months to a year.

Thawing Stage:

In the final stage, the range of motion in the shoulder gradually improves, and the pain starts to diminish. This stage can also last several months.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. These risk factors include:

Age and gender: Frozen shoulder most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women than men.

Certain medical conditions: People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Prolonged immobility: Injuries or medical conditions that lead to prolonged immobilization of the shoulder joint can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Shoulder injury or surgery: Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries can contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.