Frozen Shoulder

Introduction

Frozen shoulder is a condition that primarily affects middle-aged individuals. Precise cause is unknown in most of the patients. Secondary factors that can contribute to its development include previous shoulder injuries, tendinitis, or immobilization of the shoulder.

Signs and Symptoms

The main presentation of frozen shoulder are shoulder pain and a noticeable decrease in the range of motion. It can significantly impact daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and grooming。

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Stage 1: Pain is the dominant symptom. However, it does not severely restrict the shoulder's range of motion.

Stage 2: Pain increases, sometimes even affects sleeping. Shoulder movements can exacerbate the pain, and individuals may experience a further reduction in their range of motion, significantly impacting their daily life.

Stage 3: Pain gradually subsides, but stiffness persists. The shoulder may be significantly restricted in its movement.

Recovery

In most cases, frozen shoulder resolves on its own. However, it can take 6 to 12 months for the stiffness to fully dissipate. It is important to note that the recovery process may vary for everyone, depending on their overall health and other factors.

Treatment Approach

Initial treatment usually is non-invasive, including medication, physiotherapy, home exercise and self-care. In the field of physiotherapy, exercise, heat, acupuncture, and manual mobilization are possible ways in treating frozen shoulder.

During the first and second stages, which pain dominates, therapy would target at reducing pain with electric modality, acupuncture, and light exercise.

During the third stage which stiffness dominates, exercise of greater range of motion and manual mobilization would be performed.

(All information provided is for reference only. Please contact your physiotherapist or physician should you have any enquiry)

The above information was produced by Physiotherapy Department, Canossa Hospital (Caritas).

Please call 28255392 for physiotherapy appointment

Reference

Hanchard N, Goodchild L, Thompson J, O’Brien T, Richardson C, Davison D, Watson H, Wragg M, Mtopo S, Scott M. (2012) . Evidence-based clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment and physiotherapy management of contracted (frozen) shoulder: Quick summary.  Physiotherapy 98: 117–120