11 May What Is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) and How Can It Be Managed?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by pain, stiffness, and markedly reduced shoulder movement. It usually develops slowly, worsens over time, and then gradually improves. While recovery can take one to three years, the right management can help reduce pain, maintain mobility, and support a smoother recovery.
Frozen shoulder often develops when the shoulder has been kept still for long periods, such as after injury or surgery. At our myotherapy clinic in Hoppers Crossing, we commonly see clients experiencing shoulder pain and restriction, and frozen shoulder is a condition that benefits greatly from early, guided care.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages:
- Increasing shoulder pain with movement
- Gradual loss of range of motion
- Pain may worsen at night and disrupt sleep
- Duration: 2 to 9 months
- Pain may begin to ease
- Shoulder stiffness becomes more pronounced
- Daily activities such as dressing or reaching overhead become difficult
- Duration: 4 to 12 months
- Pain continues to reduce
- Shoulder movement slowly improves
- Strength and function gradually return
- Duration: 5 to 24 months
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t fully understood. It occurs when the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. Over time, inflammation and reduced synovial fluid (which normally lubricates the joint) make shoulder movement more difficult. Frozen shoulder is more likely to develop after periods of immobility, such as following surgery, injury, or fracture.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Age: Most common in people over 40
- Sex: More common in women
- Rotator cuff injury
- Broken arm
- Stroke
- Recovery from surgery
- Diabetes
- Overactive or underactive thyroid
- Cardiovascular disease
- Parkinson’s disease
Management and Treatment Options
Treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on pain relief, maintenance of range of motion, and support of recovery.
- Heat and cold therapy to manage pain and inflammation
- Pain-relieving medications, such as NSAIDs or paracetamol
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Myotherapy and physical therapy to address muscle tightness, improve mobility, and guide safe movement
- Home exercise programs focused on gentle stretching and range of motion
- TENS therapy for pain relief
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, medical procedures such as manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release surgery may be considered.
How can Myotherapy Help with Frozen Shoulder?
- Reducing muscle tension and protective guarding
- Supporting pain management
- Improving shoulder, neck, and upper-back mobility
- Assisting with posture and movement patterns
- Complementing rehabilitation exercises at each stage of recovery
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?
- Keeping the shoulder moving (as advised) after injury or surgery
- Beginning therapy early if shoulder movement becomes painful or limited
- Following a tailored exercise program to maintain mobility
If you’ve had an injury, fracture, or surgery affecting your shoulder, speak with a healthcare professional about safe exercises to help maintain shoulder movement during recovery.
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