FROZEN SHOULDER

Frozen shoulder is known as adhesive capsulitis. It happens in the shoulder joint, onset of pain and gradual stiffness with loss of movement. Inflammation occurs in the joint capsule, then scaring and contractures form in the shoulder joint ligaments. There is no cause found for this, only factors that may contribute to it.

Most common age for frozen shoulder is over 50s.

Movement actively and passively begins to affect the shoulder. The shoulder becomes painful and stiff. External rotation becomes the most restricted movement.

There are four stages of frozen shoulder.

Stage 1: PREFREEZING

During this stage it's difficult to diagnose the issue as frozen shoulder. You had symptoms for around 2 to 3 months now, they are getting progressively worse. When moving the shoulder it is painful and stiff. It usually aches when you are not moving it. Normally people begin to stop using it as often to let it 'heal' and 'go away on its own' but that's not the case.

Stage. 2: FREEZING

You are experiencing pain, ache and stiffness for around 3 to 9 months now, movement is limited and pain has increased significantly. Pain at night and day.

Stage 3: FROZEN

Symptoms 9 to 12 months.

Movement decreased significantly, near the end of this stage pain has reduced to only when moving the shoulder.

Stage 4: THAWING

It is on going for over a year, reduction of pain in the day and at night. Limited movement but the movement is beginning to return to normal.

Physiotherapy and Frozen Shoulder:

Normally we don't see patients with frozen shoulder until they are in freezing stage, when pain is at the worst, stiffness is high and movement is very limited. Our goal is to restore the movements, reduce pain and eliminate stiffness. Ripon Physio Co. have been using exercise based therapy, manual therapy, modalities- heat/ ice therapy, strengthening exercises, PNF and return to work or your sport, we can support you on the progressive issue, begin the treatment and manage the symptoms.

Ripon Physio Co.