Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is characterised by pain (dull or aching), reduced range of motion and stiffness of the shoulder

The causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood, but research findings stated that process involves thickening and contracture of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.

Research also found that Frozen shoulder occurs much more commonly in individuals with:

Ø Hypothyroidism

Ø Diabetes

Ø Hyperthyroidism

Ø Parkinson's disease

Ø Cardiac disease

Ø Surgery

Ø Direct injury/trauma

Symptoms of Frozen shoulder are described as having three stages:

Stage 1: “Freezing stage”. Lasts approximately 2-9 months. During this stage the patient develops a decrease in shoulder range of motion that is associated with pain and stiffness.

Stage 2: “Frozen stage”. Lasts approximately 4-12 months. During this stage, the pain within the shoulder gradually eases, but the stiffness and the reduced range of motion remains unchanged or can even get worst.

Stage 3: “Thawing recovery stage”. Lasts approximately 5-26 months. During this stage, the stiffness gradually decreases, and movement gradually returns towards normal.

Physiotherapy interventions can help increase the range of motion and decrease stiffness of the shoulder joint and enhance the healing process by decreasing the time between stages.

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