Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and restriction of movement in the shoulder. It has an incidence rate of about 5% of the general population, with it being most common in women in their 50s or 60s. In most cases, frozen shoulder will resolve by itself after 1 to 3 years, however there is a high chance there will be restrictions in movement in the shoulder permanently.
At this stage, the medical community is unsure on the trigger for frozen shoulder, however there are some factors that seem to be linked with a diagnosis. One of those factors is diabetes mellitus, with around 30% of people with diabetes getting frozen shoulder. Another trigger for frozen shoulder is trauma to the shoulder followed by a period of immobilisation or sling use.
If frozen shoulder is suspected in a client, our physiotherapists will look for certain signs to help diagnose the condition. Firstly, the client will report a slow progression of pain in the shoulder with or without trauma. Active movement will be restricted in the shoulder, especially reaching and twisting the arm, and passive movement (where someone else moves the arm) will not be as limited.
Once a diagnosis has been made, the physiotherapist will work with the client to determine a treatment plan focused on managing pain, preventing permanent restriction, and reducing the effects frozen shoulder has on daily life by teaching alternative ways of completing daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning.
If a doctor has diagnosed you with frozen shoulder, or you have shoulder pain, give our clinic a call to make an appointment on 82693800 and speak with one of our physiotherapists to assess your shoulder.