Here we explore a common condition that prompts people to seek care and advice from our team at Blackburn Allied Health.
Frozen shoulder (aka. Adhesive Capsulitis) is a painful condition that causes restriction of the shoulder joint. It commonly presents among ages ranging 40-60 years and can affect daily living activities.
What does it feel like?
- Aching pain in the shoulders and down the upper arm.
- The pain might be more noticeable trying to do overhead activities.
- You might not be able to move your shoulder as far as you used to.
- Symptoms can be worse at night
What causes frozen shoulder?
- Frozen shoulder can co-occur alongside other conditions such as Parkinson’s, Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. This is Primary Idiopathic frozen shoulder.
- Secondary frozen shoulder can result following injuries to the shoulder or following a period of immobilisation.
- However, there may be no significant history leading to the event.
The 3 Stages of Frozen shoulder:
- FREEZING: (Painful):
The onset of symptoms- Often the signs and symptoms slowly build up to where you start to notice your ability to move your shoulder has significantly increased and is now causing you pain.
Duration: 2-9 months - FROZEN: (Adhesive): Pain begins to subside, but there is a loss of movement.
Duration: 4-12 months - THAWING: Gradual return of range of movement.
Duration: 5-26 months
What can be done to help?
There are ways to help manage pain and potentially speed up the course of the condition, this may include:
- Manual therapy such as massage and joint mobilisation.
- Gentle stretching
- Heat application
- NSAIDs if pain relief is needed.
- As symptoms decrease and range increases, begin gentle strengthening exercises.
Whilst Frozen shoulder can be painful and may take some time to resolve, the good news is that your symptoms will begin to ease.
Get in touch with our friendly team of Myotherapists and Osteopaths at Blackurn Allied Health Group for more information and individual treatment plans.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5917053/
https://www.freepik.com/search?format=search&page=6&query=shoulder+pain
