Frozen shoulder Pokohiwi mākiri
A frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) happens when the capsule of thin tissue that covers your shoulder joint becomes thicker and inflamed. This can make it harder to move your shoulder.
Causes of a frozen shoulder
It is not clear what causes frozen shoulder. It can happen for no obvious reason, or it can happen after a shoulder injury.
It most often happens between the ages of 40 and 60. It is more common among people with diabetes.
Symptoms of a frozen shoulder
If you have a frozen shoulder, you will gradually, over several months, become less able to move it. Moving it will also be painful, especially when you are putting your hand behind your back or reaching forward. The pain may be worse at night.
There are usually 3 stages to frozen shoulder:
- freezing and pain
- frozen and stiff
- thawing and recovery.
Diagnosing a frozen shoulder
If you think you might have a frozen shoulder and are experiencing symptoms, your healthcare provider or a physiotherapist can assess you.
They will talk to you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may refer you for an x-ray or other scan to rule out other problems.
Treating a frozen shoulder
There are usually 3 stages to frozen shoulder.
Freezing and pain
The first symptom of frozen shoulder is usually pain. It can last up to 9 months.
During this phase, you should see your healthcare provider for pain relief and possibly a steroid injection to help with the pain in your shoulder.
Hands-on physiotherapy is not usually helpful during this phase. A physiotherapist will be able to provide advice.
Frozen and stiff
During this phase, the pain gradually gets better, but your shoulder is still stiff and has limited movement. This phase can last up to 12 months.
Steroid injections can help you with pain. Once the pain has gone, physiotherapy may help you get your shoulder movement back.
Thawing and recovery
At this stage, the pain has gone, and the stiffness gradually gets better. But it can take up to 3 years to fully recover.
It is important to see a physiotherapist for exercises that will help you to:
- get your full movement back
- strengthen your upper back and shoulder muscles
- improve your posture.
You can find a physiotherapist on HealthPoint.
Physiotherapy services — HealthPointSelf care for a frozen shoulder
Exercises you can do at home include:
- shoulder-assisted flexion
- shoulder-assisted abduction
- hand behind back.