Frozen shoulder in the ‘freezing’ stage is hard to diagnose as it presents as pain and stiffness it is often mistaken for other shoulder complaints. It often needs imaging solutions as well as physical assessment to properly diagnose.

Frozen shoulder seems to happen spontaneously; there are no obvious causes but those who suffer from diabetes, have had a stroke or another issue that has caused a period of immobility, or just women in menopause are usually sufferers.

Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting issue – it does get better by itself, although this process can take up to 3 years. This does not mean that you shouldn’t seek help with managing the pain if you need to – speak to your GP in the first instance to discuss pain management and further examinations/tests.

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful with a severely limited range of motion. Medically known as ‘adhesive capsulitis’, the condition describes a long process (can be several years) where the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff (freezing) completely immovable (frozen) and then, spontaneously eases (thawing).

The shoulder joint itself is a shallow ball-and-socket joint surrounded by a ‘capsule’ of fluid. In frozen shoulder, this capsule solidifies and becomes thick and tight – like a plastic bag full of concrete. With reduced synovial fluid (the ‘lubrication’ for the joints), scar tissue forms and it becomes increasingly difficult to move.

Frozen shoulder in the ‘freezing’ stage is hard to diagnose as it presents as pain and stiffness it is often mistaken for other shoulder complaints. It often needs imaging solutions as well as physical assessment to properly diagnose.

Frozen shoulder seems to happen spontaneously; there are no obvious causes but those who suffer from diabetes, have had a stroke or another issue that has caused a period of immobility, or just women in menopause are usually sufferers.

Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting issue – it does get better by itself, although this process can take up to 3 years. This does not mean that you shouldn’t seek help with managing the pain if you need to – speak to your GP in the first instance to discuss pain management and further examinations/tests.

When the shoulder is fully frozen, there is not much that physiotherapy can do on its own. However, if you are offered treatment in the form of hydrodilation (injecting a solution of saline and corticosteroid into the capsule) this can aid in movement, allowing physiotherapy to make a real difference.

Physiotherapy exercise for frozen shoulder are aimed at improving range of motion. Completed to the point of tension, not pain – we never use ‘pain as a guide’ – stretches are used to work the joint gently. These exercises are particularly beneficial as the thawing process begins – gradually and gently improving range of motion and strength in the shoulder and arm, supported by the expertise of a well-trained physiotherapist.

Think You May Have A Frozen Shoulder?
Our resident shoulder specialist Adrianna has a whole range of exercises and treatments for shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder physiotherapy. Call us today to book your initial consultation and let Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine help you to manage your symptoms and get back to fitness.