Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Overview and Symptoms

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and restricted movement. The shoulder consists of three bones—the upper arm (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle)—which form a ball-and-socket joint. Surrounding the joint is the shoulder capsule, a connective tissue structure that holds everything together. In cases of frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes thickened and tight, leading to a significant loss of motion in the shoulder.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not well understood, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition, including:

Shoulder trauma or injury
Repetitive strain on the shoulder
Age (commonly affecting those between 40-60 years old)
Gender (more common in females)
Diabetes
History of breast or shoulder surgery

Phases of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:

Freezing Stage: Pain gradually worsens, and range of motion begins to decrease.
Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce, but stiffness and immobility increase.
Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in range of motion and pain relief occurs.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Difficulty lifting the arm above shoulder height
Inability to toss or throw a ball
Struggling to reach for items quickly
Inability to reach behind the back (e.g., clasp a bra or tuck in a shirt)
Difficulty reaching behind to fasten a seatbelt
Inability to sleep or lie on the affected side due to discomfort

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

While physiotherapy cannot cure frozen shoulder, it can significantly reduce its impact and help speed up the recovery process. Treatment aims to improve range of motion, manage pain, and support functional recovery. Physiotherapy interventions may include:

Range of motion exercises to help maintain and improve shoulder mobility
Pain management strategies to minimise discomfort during daily activities
Hydrotherapy programs, which can be particularly beneficial for managing pain and promoting movement in the shoulder

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, although these are not typically the first line of treatment.

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If you would like to learn more about our services, or have some questions regarding our treatment options in our Mount Lawley clinic, feel free to give us a call.

You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.