Frozen Shoulder Specialist

What is a frozen shoulder? 

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a disorder resulting in pain and reduced movement of your shoulder. It occurs when the shoulder joint capsule (strong connective tissues surrounding the joints) become inflamed, thickened, and stiff.

The pain makes you reluctant to use your shoulder, which makes the joint capsule tighten further. As a result, your shoulder gets increasingly difficult to move and becomes frozen, hence this condition's name.

Why would I get a frozen shoulder?

The most common reason for developing a frozen shoulder is an injury or surgery that requires you to wear a brace, sling, or cast to stop your shoulder from moving. Rotator cuff tears and collarbone, shoulder blade, or upper arm fractures are the most common injuries requiring immobilization.

Your chances of developing frozen shoulder are higher if you have a condition such as:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
• Parkinson's disease

Frozen shoulder occurs most often in people aged 40-60, but it could happen to anyone.

What happens when I have a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder goes through three stages:

Freezing

Freezing is the initial stage, where your shoulder hurts when you move and gets increasingly stiff. The pain and loss of mobility increase over time and may worsen at night. Freezing can take up to nine months.

Frozen

The pain in your shoulder typically reduces when your joint is in the frozen stage. However, the stiffness remains and makes it difficult to complete everyday activities. The frozen stage lasts up to six months.

Thawing

Thawing is the recovery stage, where your pain improves, and you're able to move the joint more freely. Full rehabilitation can take up to two years.

What treatments can help with a frozen shoulder?

The Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy team uses a variety of techniques to help release the tightened muscles and connective tissues in your shoulder. These techniques improve your pain, increase your strength and range of motion, and accelerate healing.

Your treatment plan might include specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the joint, plus additional therapies such as:

• Moist heat
• Cold therapy
• Ultrasound
• Electrical stimulation
• Fluidotherapy
• Whirlpool treatment
• Iontophoresis
• Cold laser
• Paraffin treatment
• Diathermy

It's also possible to prevent frozen shoulders with physical therapy if you have an injury or undergo surgery and your shoulder needs immobilizing. 

The Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy team works closely with your primary care provider or orthopedist to ensure you complete an appropriate exercise program.

Take advantage of the expertise available at Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy to prevent and treat frozen shoulder. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.