Frozen shoulder is a condition that is distinguished by pain and stiffness in your shoulder joint. Known as Adhesive Capsulitis, it results in a significant reduction in the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint (shoulder) and can be a really debilitating condition that tends to hang around for quite some time.

The symptoms of frozen shoulder usually develop gradually, become worse and worse and then subside over a period of a few months to a couple of years. The condition is common in both males and females aged 40 to 60 years and occurs more frequently in those who are less active.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder often occurs in the non-dominant arm but on occasion can develop in both arms. Pain is usually dull or aching and is often felt on the outside of the shoulder, the upper arm and within the armpit. The pain can often increase at night, affecting sleep.

There are 3 stages of development of frozen shoulder:

  • Freezing stage – this is the most painful stage, where there is pain with any level of movement of the shoulder. The range of motion starts becoming limited. This stage can last from a few weeks up to several months.
  • Frozen stage – the pain may begin to ease, but the shoulder becomes very rigid, and therefore it can be quite difficult to use it. This stage typically lasts between 4 and 6 months.
  • Thawing stage – an increase in shoulder movement becomes evident. Complete return to normal strength and motion can take up to 2 years.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Commonly, frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule is rigid or inflamed. The bones, tendons and ligaments that make up the shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Stiffness or tension in the soft tissue can cause the joint capsule to thicken, becoming stuck in one spot and restricting its movement.

People who are recovering from a medical procedure or illness that prevents movement of the arm are more susceptible to developing frozen shoulder. It can follow conditions like tendinitis or bursitis in the shoulder and even systemic diseases including diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease and thyroid conditions as well as stroke.

Frozen shoulder is unlikely to recur, however it may develop in the other shoulder. If a contributing factor such as diabetes is still present, it may come back.

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Whether treated or not, most frozen shoulders improve on their own over a long period of time. Without treatment, the return of motion can occur slowly on its own but full-range motion may never return. So, what is an ideal treatment?

Remedial massage can be a very effective treatment for frozen shoulder, but keep in mind that it can be quite a lengthy process. The massage helps to create balance throughout the shoulder area by targeting the rotator cuff and other muscles that support the shoulder joint.

A full massage treatment plan will achieve the best results, and a sports physiotherapist who is specialised in shoulder pain physiotherapy like the team at Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy will provide a detailed and effective plan. A thorough examination of the condition and symptoms will occur, with information gathered by palpation (touching) and special testing movements of the shoulder.

Once the soft tissues that are causing the condition are identified, various massage techniques are used, along with stretching to relieve tension and tightness. When the muscles relax it helps to restore mobility and function in the shoulder. It can also improve blood flow to the affected area which can reduce inflammation.

Self-help strategies will also be devised so you can assist with the ongoing treatment at home. A sports physio can instruct you on gentle stretching exercises you can do yourself. While keeping your shoulder mobile is vital to healing and recovery, keep from moving it in jerky, sudden movements that will make the pain worse and put more strain on your muscles.

Anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can assist with reducing pain and swelling. Sometimes corticosteroid and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule are required to reduce inflammation. In some rare instances arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to loosen the joint capsule.

To prevent frozen shoulder, it is important to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder joint. So, if you are at risk of immobility of your shoulder, such as from a broken arm, stroke or an injury, speak to your doctor or allied health professional about specific exercises you can do to keep the shoulder moving safely.

If you have frozen shoulder or any other pain or issues with your shoulder, book a remedial massage with an expert to have you moving pain free as soon as possible.