Shoulder stuck?

Here’s how to unfreeze it — step by step

Waking up with a stiff shoulder that just won’t move?

You might be dealing with something called frozen shoulder. As a physiotherapist, I see this often – and the good news is, there’s help. Frozen shoulder or ‘adhesive capsulitis’ means that there is capsule inflammation (capsulitis), resulting in tissue thickening and adherence to other tissues (adhesive). This usually happens in the shoulder joint of middle-aged women and the true cause is not fully known. The condition is characterised by severe pain and a progressive restriction of shoulder movements which can cause difficulty with brushing hair, fastening bra straps and lifting the arm. As you can imagine, this can significantly affect someone’s quality of life but with the right approach, recovery is absolutely possible. 

Frozen shoulder – The Basics

If you are suffering from Frozen Shoulder, it can be classed as primary or secondary. Primary Frozen Shoulder occurs spontaneously where there is no clear underlying condition or cause. Secondary Frozen Shoulder occurs when there is a clear cause or identifiable risk factors, such as prolonged immobilisation, surgery, shoulder injury and diabetes.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain, usually non-specific and felt globally across the shoulder
• Stiffness that progressively worsens 
• Limited range of motion (movement) at the shoulder
• Difficulty with daily activities such as driving and getting dressed

Frozen Shoulder follows 3 consecutive stages: freezing, frozen and thawing.

Freezing is the initial inflammatory stage which causes unremitting, global pain around the affected shoulder.

Stage 2 is the frozen stage which is where someone will start to experience a progressive restriction in range of movement at the shoulder. This restriction can make movements difficult or even impossible.

The final stage is the thawing stage, which is where you get a gradual reduction in stiffness and begin to restore your movement – Hooray!

Why Physiotherapy?

The requirement for physiotherapy is dependent upon what stage of Frozen Shoulder that you are in. If you are in the ‘freezing’ stage, the physiotherapy will centre around advice regarding how to minimise pain, strategies regarding how to self-manage the condition, light exercise prescription and taping if deemed appropriate. During the frozen and thawing stage, physiotherapy is focussed on restoring range and increasing strength through a tailored exercise program and manual therapy. 

What to expect during recovery?

Frozen shoulder can take time to heal. If you are in the freezing stage, then it can take anywhere from 3-6 months. The frozen stage can take anywhere between 4-9 months. The thawing stage can take between 5 months and 2 years. Bear in mind, these are only averages,and it may take longer (or shorter) for your shoulder to feel normal again. 

Unfortunately, if you are diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder then you are in it for the long haul,but you are definitely not on your own. Frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but with the right care, it does get better. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait – early physiotherapy makes a big difference.

Book a free initial assessment now and Keep Moving with UniquePhysio.