Frozen shoulder is still very poorly understood. This condition, previously called adhesive capsulitis, does not appear to have a clear cause. The shoulder joint is surrounded by a loose capsule which allows a large range of movement enabling actions such as reaching behind the back or above the head. In frozen shoulder this capsule becomes inflamed causing stiffening and contraction.
Typically, frozen shoulder is characterised by significant shoulder pain and stiffness for at least a month. Normally this develops slowly but in some cases, it can occur rapidly over a day or two. Initially many frozen shoulder sufferers will report increasing pain which is often worse at night making it difficult to lie on the affected side or when trying to elevate the arm above the head.
Why did I get Frozen Shoulder?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer for this. Frozen shoulder has been classified as primary and secondary frozen shoulder. Primary frozen shoulder has a spontaneous onset which no cause (idiopathic onset) and secondary frozen shoulder occurs following trauma or surgery.
What we do know is that age appears to be a factor. It tends to occur between the ages of 40-60 years old (in Japan and China it is called 50-year old’s shoulder for this reason) and it rare for someone outside this age bracket to experience it.
Other risk factors may include diabetes, family history and a genetic predisposition. Interestingly there is also a high incidence of Dupuytren’s contracture (condition causing progressive flexion contracture of the fingers) in people with frozen shoulder.
It is thought that frozen shoulder affects the non-dominant hand more often but about 17% of people will experience symptoms in both shoulders.
Frozen shoulder symptoms can last anywhere between 1-3 years. Typically, symptoms are described as passing through approximately three stages.
Freezing stage: During this stage pain and movement restriction starts gradually. Often three to nine months in length.
Frozen stage: Pain normally begins to decrease but range of movement restriction remains in multiple directions. Anywhere between three to fifteen months after onset.
Thawing stage: Pain ceases by this stage and shoulder range of motion slowly increases.
Good news! For most people this condition will resolve but for some there may be lasting shoulder restriction.
No treatment has been proven to cure frozen shoulder but there many different treatments, both conservative and invasive, aiming to treat the symptoms and aide in recovery time.
Conservative treatment can include Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy treatment for frozen shoulder tends to depend on what stage of the condition you are in. Your Physiotherapist will clarify the stage you are in and provide appropriate treatment such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation and advice. The type of treatment you receive will be dependent on whether pain or stiffness is more predominant.
Hydrodilitation (also known as a Hydrodistension): Ultrasound guided or CT guided injection of saline into the shoulder capsule to attempt to stretch the contracted capsule. This treatment is generally combined with a physiotherapy exercise program.
Corticosteroid injection: Injection into the shoulder joint which may help to improve short term pain levels and function.
Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA): Forced rotation of the shoulder while under anaesthetic to stretch or tear the contracted capsule. Research has shown no difference both in the short term and at 12 months compared with Physiotherapy alone.
Arthroscopic capsular release surgery: Involves combinations of different surgical techniques and manipulation to improve range at the shoulder.
Overall more high-quality research is needed to advise on the most successful treatment for frozen shoulder.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness the experienced Physiotherapists at Bend + Mend Physiotherapy can help! Book an appointment today to have a comprehensive assessment and treatment to get you back on track.
Alice graduated from the University of Otago in New Zealand and has more than 9 years’ experience working as a Physiotherapist in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Skilled in all pain conditions, Alice has a keen interest in both injury prevention and management of shoulder and upper limb injuries. She believes that exercise is vital to returning to full general and sporting function as quickly as possible. Since arriving in Sydney last year Alice has focused on combining Physiotherapy with Pilates to gain the best results for her patients. She has completed further training in Pilates through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates institute. As she is new to Sydney Alice spends her free time exploring NSW and enjoying its many beautiful beaches!