Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis is a condition affecting the joint capsule of the shoulder. It is characterized by inflammatory changes within the shoulder capsule that lead to pain and stiffness.
Frozen shoulder is categorized as either primary or secondary in nature. Primary frozen shoulder occurs for no clear reason, believed to be triggered by an autoimmune response while a secondary frozen shoulder commonly develops following trauma or surgery of the joint.
Frozen shoulder usually follows a typical pattern and can be separated into three stages:
- Freezing – Pain commences as twinges with movement and gradually increases with increasing stiffness. Significant nighttime pain and difficulty performing normal everyday tasks
- Frozen – Pain starts to lessen, but the stiffness of the shoulder joint increases.
- Thawing – Pain reduces to lower levels and movement begins to return
Frozen shoulder is more prevalent in people over the age of 50 and women are affected more often than men. There are also some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a frozen shoulder. These include diabetes, prolonged immobilization, trauma, stroke, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease and autoimmune diseases.
The early stages of frozen shoulder can mimic other shoulder conditions, and these should first be ruled out by a thorough history taking and assessment performed by a physiotherapist. While frozen shoulder is a self-limiting condition, meaning it will resolve on its own without treatment, this can take up to 2-3 years.
Physiotherapy during this time focuses on pain reduction and management strategies to help cope during the freezing and frozen stages. As the condition moves into the thawing stage, physiotherapy aims to help restore strength, range of motion and function of the shoulder.
The entire process of going through a frozen shoulder can be extremely distressing, so providing support, reassurance and education as they move through the stages of the condition is an essential part of treatment. If you have any concerns about your shoulder pain that does not seem to be resolving, contact our team for help!
Source: Australian Government – Department of Health & Aged Care
Title: Frozen Shoulder
Read time: 5 mins