Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) can be a restricting and painful condition that is frustrating for both patients and clinicians. Despite the quick fixes you'll see promised on social media, treating this condition takes time and patience . Here's an evidence-based approach:
What is frozen shoulder?
Adhesive capsulitis (AC), commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain and stiffness. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting the movement of the joint. The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not well understood, but certain factors may contribute to its development.
Key features of adhesive capsulitis
Pain: Individuals with AC often experience pain in the shoulder that can be dull and aching. The pain may worsen with movement, especially during activities that involve raising the arm.
Stiffness and Loss of Range of Motion: One of the hallmark symptoms of a frozen shoulder is stiffness in the joint. This stiffness can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reaching for objects, dressing, or combing hair.
Unknown Cause: Most patients with frozen shoulder have difficulty indicating an injury that could be responsible for the level of pain that they're experiencing.
Phases: Some researchers theorize that AC progresses through three different phases. The first stage is the "freezing stage," where individuals experience increasing pain and a gradual loss of motion. The second stage is the "frozen stage," characterized by significant stiffness and limited range of motion, but less pain. The final stage is the "thawing stage," during which the shoulder gradually improves, and movement becomes less restricted.
Rick Factors
While no direct cause is known, there are several factors that many AC patients have in common:
Age and Gender: The condition is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, and women are more often affected than men.
Systemic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disorders have been associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Immobilization: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, such as after surgery or an injury, can contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.
Treatment options
Several treatment options exist for patients suffering from frozen shoulder, with only a few of them apply to most patients and are backed by the evidence:
Physical Therapy - Pain management and a home routine is a vital part of treating this condition.
Corticosteroid Injections - Very often, patients receive a steroid injection from their orthopedic provider in order to manage pain and tolerance of physical therapy.
Surgical Intervention - In the most extreme and long-lasted cases, a manipulation under anesthesia may be recommended, though this is not common.
It's important for individuals experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Early intervention can help prevent further progression of the condition and improve outcomes.
At Rogers Physical Therapy, we treat patients with frozen shoulder with patience and compassion, giving them 1-on-1 care and providing an individualized stretching and strengthening program. This program is individualized and tailored to your specific tolerance and can be completed before or after any injections. Click below if you think you have adhesive capsulitis!
Kelley, M. J., Shaffer, M. A., Kuhn, J. E., Michener, L. A., Seitz, A. L., Uhl, T. L., Godges, J. J., & McClure, P. (2013). Shoulder pain and mobility deficits: Adhesive capsulitis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(5). https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2013.0302
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