Frozen shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis is a common source of shoulder pain. It occurs in about 2% to 5% of the population and often presents in 40 to 60-year-olds. It is more prevalent in women (70%).
Some people are of the opinion that it is caused due to inflammation, where the lining of a joint becomes inflamed (synovitis), or by autoimmune reactions, where the body launches an “attack” against its own substances and tissues. Other plausible causes include:
- Reactions after a trauma or surgery
- Pain from other conditions, such as arthritis, a rotator cuff tear, bursitis, or tendinitis, leading to stiffness of the shoulder.
- Immobilization of the arm, such as in a sling, after surgery or fracture
- Health conditions such as diabetes, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism conditions do increase the prevalence of frozen shoulder. For instance, the incidence of frozen shoulder in diabetics can be 10 to 38%. Researchers are unsure why the risk is increased in these patient groups.
Often, however, there is no clear reason why adhesive capsulitis develops. In simple terms, it means that your shoulder pain and stiffness is a result of shoulder capsule inflammation (capsulitis) and fibrotic adhesions that limit your shoulder movement.
How can a Physiotherapist help with Frozen shoulder?
- Your Physiotherapist's overall goal is to restore your movement, so you can perform your daily activities.
- Your Physiotherapist will perform a thorough evaluation, including an extensive health history, to rule out other diagnoses. He/she will look for a specific pattern in your decreased range of motion called a “capsular pattern” that is typical with adhesive capsulitis.
- In addition, your Physiotherapist will consider other conditions you might have, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune disorders, that are associated with adhesive capsulitis.
- Once the evaluation process has identified the stage of your condition, he/she will create an individualized exercise program tailored to your specific needs.
In case you feel that you feel restricted with your shoulder movements or daily activities, get it assessed by your Physiotherapist in time.
Call us on 8269 3800 to book in for you Free Initial Assessment