“Frozen shoulder” is the casual term for adhesive capsulitis. The shoulder capsule is a protective layer of strong connective tissue, normally flexible, that surrounds the joint. When sti ff bands called adhesions develop within the tissue, the result is restricted movement. In addition, the quantity of lubricating liquid (synovial fl uid) within the joint may diminish, making motion more diffi cult and painful.
While, in many cases, the cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, it occurs more frequently in people who have diabetes and in those who may have needed to keep their shoulder immobile because of surgery or injury. It is more likely to strike women than men, and people who are between 40 and 60 years old are most commonly aff ected. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include dull or aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm; limited range of shoulder motion; discomfort sleeping on the aff ected shoulder; and difficulty completing everyday tasks that involve the shoulder, such as dressing or brushing one’s hair.
The good news is that the “thaw” is the final stage of frozen shoulder, which should eventually result in freer movement once again. The stages include
- Freezing: Pain gradually increases and your shoulder loses range of motion. The freezing stage can last six weeks to nine months.
- Frozen: The pain typically eases, but the stiff ness worsens. The frozen stage typically lasts four to six months.
- Thawing: Range of shoulder motion gradually improves in the thawing stage. Full recovery can take six months to two years.
We can design a program to ease residual discomfort and advance you on the road to a full “thaw.” This can include simple exercises, such as the crossover arm stretch, that require no equipment to enhance fl exibility. Applying heat to the shoulder and taking nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs (if your physician approves) before physical therapy may help, as well. We may also incorporate the use of specialized equipment to increase shoulder flexibility. Immersion in a heated therapy pool may be benefi cial, too.
No one feels good when his or her shoulder hurts. With our professional guidance, you can alleviate that pain and enhance your return to function.
