Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, also known as “Frozen Shoulder,” is a condition that arises when the glenoid and humeral head adhere to each other, causing a progressive restriction and loss of movement in the shoulder as the joint capsule thickens. This condition is most commonly observed in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, females, and those with diabetes. Interestingly, it is commonly observed that frozen shoulder is often the first presentation of late-onset diabetes. Patients will often report pain and dysfunction affecting the left shoulder more than the right and without prior knowledge of previous trauma or injury.

Frozen Shoulder tends to advance in three stages:

The Cooling Stage:This stage is marked by widespread discomfort in the shoulder that gets worse with motion and limits the use of the arm. Many patients want to keep their arm out of use and protect it, but doing so actually makes things worse since it promotes the joint capsule to continue expanding.

The Freezing Stage: Throughout this stage, discomfort will gradually worsen and your stiffness will get worse. The humeral head area may have more intense localised pain that worsens over the night, making it difficult to fall asleep. Normally, this stage lasts six to nine months.

The Thawing Stage: Commonly, range of motion will gradually improve at this stage. But, in some circumstances, it can take up to two years before you have whole joint movement again.

Frozen Shoulder Pain Treatment

Diagnosis is usually clinical but support from ultrasound or MRI scans is sometimes useful. Typically speaking, treatment is conservative, combining anti-inflammatory medication, physical modalities such as heat or cold therapy, joint mobilization, and muscular stretching. At MVMT Sports Chiropractic, we are able to provide high-level laser therapy to the effected joint reducing pain, inflammation and helping to repair damaged tissue. We often see that when applied, we create a “window of opportunity” of reduced pain and improved mobility whereby your prescribed exercises have added benefit.

It’s important to note that Frozen shoulder is a condition that can be managed and controlled with proper diagnosis and treatment. With the help of a healthcare professional, you can get back to the activities you love without being held back by shoulder pain and stiffness.