Written by Weijia Xu, PT.

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, affects the shoulder joint and causes pain and stiffness around the shoulder. Although its causes are unknown, certain factors can increase the risk, including diabetes, previous shoulder injuries and shoulder immobilization following surgery or a fracture.

The shoulder involves the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle), along with tendons and muscles. It is surrounded by the shoulder capsule, a strong connective tissue structure that allows the shoulder to move freely.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule thickens and becomes stiff and tight, restricting shoulder movement. Symptoms generally begin gradually and worsen over time. The condition progresses through three stages:

Stage 1 – Freezing: Moving the shoulder is painful because of stiffness, and pain increases over time. Night pain that disrupts sleep is particularly common.
Stage 2 – Frozen: Pain may decrease at this stage, but stiffness persists, making everyday tasks and activities difficult.
Stage 3 – Thawing: Symptoms ease and the shoulder begins to recover.

Adhesive capsulitis resolves on its own, although this may take anywhere from nine months to three years. Supporting the process with physiotherapy can speed recovery and improve the likelihood of regaining full function. Physiotherapy therefore focuses on three main areas: pain control, restoring range of motion and building strength.

Limited shoulder movement can also cause neck pain. Applying a warm compress around the neck and shoulder may relieve pain and make neck exercises more comfortable, helping prevent secondary neck problems.

Daily shoulder stretches are needed to restore range of motion, reduce stiffness and improve capsule flexibility. Physiotherapists can use hands-on techniques to stretch your shoulder, teach you proper stretching methods, provide a home exercise program and help you strengthen the shoulder.

There are other simple steps you can take to reduce pain and the effects of this condition. Pain relievers can help control discomfort and make sleep easier. Some people develop an uneven posture to compensate for pain. To avoid this, stay upright when moving your shoulder and try not to lean to the opposite side as you raise your arm. When lying down, keep your head in a neutral position and support your shoulder with a pillow beside your body.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that can have a very negative impact on quality of life. Our physiotherapists are here to help you manage it and return to your normal, active lifestyle!

If you have shoulder pain, contact us! Our qualified physiotherapists are here to help!

Call us for a physiotherapy appointment or book online!

References
Physiotherapy for rotator cuff tears. Cornerstone Physiotherapy. (2021, February 24). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/physiotherapy-for-rotator-cuff-tears/
Rotator cuff tears – orthoinfo – aaos. OrthoInfo. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/
Physitrack. (2019). Rotator Cuff Injuries.
https://utswmed.org/medblog/unraveling-mystery-and-misery-frozen-shoulder/