Frozen Shoulder

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and a significant reduction in shoulder mobility. It is an inflammatory disorder that can severely impact daily activities, making even simple movements like reaching for an object or getting dressed difficult. The exact cause of frozen shoulder remains unknown however there are factors that contribute to the condition or make people more susceptible.

There are 3 stages of Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

1. Freezing stage: during this initial phase, any movements of the shoulder cause significant pain, and the range of motion gradually decreases. As the inflammation becomes worse in the shoulder, the ability to do simple movements and activities gradually decreases. The freezing stage can last from 2-9 months.
2. Frozen stage: While pain may decrease in this stage, shoulder stiffness with further increase and become worse which will further limit mobility of the shoulder. This stage can persist for 4-12 months.
3. Thawing stage: This is the final stage, this is when the shoulder begins to gradually regain mobility and range of motion as the stiffness decreases. Over the time the shoulder will return to normal function. This process can take up to 5-24 months.

The prevalence and Risk factors for frozen Shoulder

This Condition primarily affects women around the age of 55, however men are also affected. Adhesive capsulitis or also known as frozen shoulder affects up to 8.2% of males and 10.1% on females therefore making females slightly more susceptible to the condition.

Some of the risk factors that studies have shown that increase the chance of developing the condition are gender (female), diabetes, trauma, and long periods of shoulder immobilization.

Signs and Symptoms /Diagnosis

The main signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder include: insidious shoulder pain, gradual loss of range of motion/ movement both actively and even passively, stiffness in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder can only be diagnosed through clinical evaluation like X-rays or MRIs which rule out other potential conditions.

Treatment / How Osteopathy Can Help

Here at the clinic, we cannot fix the condition however we can assist with pain management, and exercise to help sustain range of motion as much as possible. Studies show that patients who receive manual therapy have improved function and pain levels. Our aim with this condition is to maintain range of motion throughout the three stages then in the thawing stage, we can work with the patient to regain and increase their strength, Range of motion, and function overall.  Some of the techniques we use to do this may include needing, joint mobilisation, muscle release, and exercise prescription.

Summary

Effective management of frozen shoulder requires planning and management throughout the different stages of the conditions.  A well-coordinated care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce discomfort, and restore shoulder function over time.

By understanding more about what frozen shoulder is and the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for adhesive capsulitis, we can help you take proactive steps to seek early intervention and improve your quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with persistent shoulder pain, consulting a healthcare provider is the first step toward recovery.

References

Abudula, X., Maimaiti, P., Yasheng, A., Shu, J., Tuerxun, A., Abudujilili, H., & Yang, R. (2024). Factors associated with frozen shoulder in adults: A retrospective study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25, Article 493. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07614-8

Page, M. J., Green, S., Kramer, S., Johnston, R. V., McBain, B., Chau, M., & Buchbinder, R. (2014). Manual therapy and exercise for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8), Article CD011275. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011275

 St Angelo, J. M., Taqi, M., & Fabiano, S. E. (2023). Adhesive capsulitis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532955/

 Kim, J., & Lee, J. H. (2023). Effects of dynamic stretching combined with manual therapy on pain, range of motion, function, and quality of life of adhesive capsulitis. Healthcare, 12(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12010045