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Frozen Shoulder

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting normal movement. This condition often progresses slowly, lasting for months or even years if not addressed with proper care.

Many people first notice frozen shoulder when they struggle with simple activities like reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt, or lifting an object. While it can occur without a clear cause, injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility of the shoulder often leads to frozen shoulder.

Why Does Frozen Shoulder Develop?

Frozen shoulder typically develops in stages, each with its characteristics:

1. Freezing Stage – Movement of the shoulder becomes painful, and stiffness gradually sets in. Everyday tasks may become uncomfortable, and pain tends to worsen at night.
2. Frozen Stage – Pain may begin to ease, but stiffness remains. Movement becomes very limited, making it difficult to raise the arm or rotate it outward.
3. Thawing Stage – Gradual improvement in mobility begins, and strength slowly returns as stiffness decreases.

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder:

• Shoulder injuries such as fractures, rotator cuff tears, or dislocations
• Prolonged immobilization after surgery or due to another injury
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular disease
• Age (commonly between 40 and 60)
• Gender (frozen shoulder occurs more frequently in women)

How Frozen Shoulder Affects Daily Life

The condition can significantly interfere with work, hobbies, and routine tasks. Activities that involve reaching, stretching, or lifting can become limited, making tasks like dressing, cooking, or even sleeping challenging. Night pain is widespread, often leading to disrupted rest and fatigue.

If left untreated, frozen shoulder may take years to resolve on its own. While natural recovery is possible, stiffness and weakness can remain, limiting full return to normal function.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Frozen shoulder is more than just a sore shoulder. It presents with a distinctive pattern of symptoms, including:

• Persistent shoulder pain that may radiate down the arm
• Noticeable stiffness in the joint
• Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back
• Night pain that disrupts sleep
• Weakness caused by limited movement

Unlike other shoulder conditions, frozen shoulder affects both active and passive movement, meaning that even when someone else tries to move your arm, stiffness remains.

What Helps Manage Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder often improves with guided care and a structured recovery plan. Management focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring shoulder function. Approaches may include:

• Range of Motion Exercises – Gentle, progressive stretches designed to loosen the capsule and improve mobility gradually.
• Strengthening Techniques – Targeted exercises to support the shoulder muscles and reduce strain.
• Heat or Cold Therapy – Applying warmth or cold to reduce discomfort and assist in easing stiffness.
• Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to encourage shoulder movement and relieve tightness.
• Education on Posture and Activity Modifications – Guidance on how to move safely and prevent further irritation during daily activities.

Doctors may consider additional interventions such as corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery for some people. However, non-invasive approaches remain the first step in care.

The Recovery Process

Recovery from frozen shoulder is often gradual, and patience is an integral part of the process. While the thawing stage may bring natural improvement, guided exercises and therapeutic techniques can help speed up recovery and reduce long-term stiffness.

The timeline can vary from person to person. Some individuals notice improvement within a few months, while others may require longer. Staying consistent with prescribed exercises and strategies is crucial to restoring mobility.

Living with Frozen Shoulder

Living with frozen shoulder can be frustrating, especially when pain and stiffness limit independence. However, with consistent effort and professional guidance, most people regain significant movement and return to normal activities. Taking an active role in recovery by performing exercises, modifying movements, and maintaining overall shoulder health can help ensure steady progress.

Start Your Recovery Journey

If frozen shoulder is limiting your daily life, Relief is possible. Please don’t wait for the condition to resolve on its own. Please book an appointment with our clinic today and take the first step toward restoring comfort and mobility in your shoulder.