Frozen Shoulder
Understanding Frozen Shoulder: What It Is and How to Find Relief
If you’re experiencing ongoing shoulder stiffness and pain that just doesn’t seem to go away, you might be dealing with a condition called frozen shoulder. It can come on gradually, but the impact on your daily life can be anything but subtle.
In this post, we’ll break down what frozen shoulder is, why it happens, and what management may involve.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and limited in motion. It typically develops in three stages:
Freezing Stage: Shoulder pain gradually worsens, and range of motion starts to decrease.
Frozen Stage: Pain may start to improve, but stiffness increases, making it difficult to move the shoulder. Daily tasks like reaching overhead or behind your back become challenging.
Thawing Stage: Slowly, range of motion begins to return. This stage can last several months to a couple of years.
What Causes It?
The short answer is: we don’t really know. However, research suggests that genetic, mechanical, metabolic, immune and possibly hormonal factors are at play.
There are several risk factors, including:
Female
40-65 years old
Metabolic syndromes: diabetes and thyroid disease
Immobilisation
Previous frozen shoulder
Signs You Might Have Frozen Shoulder
Persistent pain in the shoulder, especially at night
Limited range of motion (lifting your arm, reaching behind you, etc.)
Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort
Stiffness that worsens over time
What Can You Do About It?
The good news: frozen shoulder has a natural progression with good prognosis, though may take time (1-4 years). Treatment will depend on which stage you are in.
Education and Pain Management
Initially, treatment focuses on education around frozen shoulder and pain management strategies.
Stretching and Strengthening
As pain begins to settle this is when we start getting more movement to the shoulder.
Medical Interventions
Injection therapy such as a corticosteroid injection or hydrodilatation. Occasionally, surgical intervention may be required for some people.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that with the right approach and a little patience, improvement is possible.
Need help getting started? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.