Has your doctor diagnosed you with frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is an impairment in the shoulder that limits range of motion and flexibility, and is associated with extreme pain and discomfort. It occurs when the strong connective tissue, or joint capsule, of the shoulder joint becomes thick, stiff and inflamed.

It remains a poorly understood phenomenon, with its onset being attributed to a multitude of factors, such as:

• Age - onset is most common amongst those aged 40-60

• Sex - most often occurs in biological women (2:1)

• Health conditions - those with diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, stroke, high cholesterol levels, arthritis and osteoarthritis

• Physical trauma or impairments - humeral fractures, rotator cuff pathology, history of frozen shoulder on the opposite side, bursitis, or tendonitis of rotator cuff

There are 3 main phases of this condition:

1. Freezing phase - lasts up to 3 months; this is the most painful stage and is where loss of motion begins. The shoulder is still fairly mobile during this stage, however, the high level of pain prevents much movement

2. Frozen phase - lasts from 4 to 18 months; pain has reduced but the area remains stiff

3. Thawing phase - lasts from the end of the frozen phase up to 2 to 3 years; the condition is gradually improving and eventually should return to normal

The phases can last up to 2 years, but healing, can be brought on much faster if there is appropriate remedial exercise and stretching, as well as treatment from health care professionals such as Chiropractors and Registered Massage Therapists.

If you suffer from this condition, perform only a few exercises at a time as to not further exacerbate your condition. Only perform exercises that you feel are tolerable, however, keep in mind that even with a high level of pain, stretching is absolutely essential to keep your affected muscles strong and healthy.

In the freezing stage, for example, if you avoid moving your shoulder due to the intense pain associated with the movement, this can lead to further contraction of the capsule. The humerus will then have less area to move, and the joint may lose its lubricating synovial fluid. In more advanced or severe cases, bands of scar tissue, or adhesions, form between the head of the humerus and the joint capsule.

While this may sound daunting, you can rest easy knowing that by taking appropriate action, you will begin to see results.

It is best to consult with your care provider to learn appropriate exercises to perform to help speed recovery.

Maureen, RMT

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Disclaimer

None of the information provided on this website should be substituted for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare practitioner.