Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is  a shoulder condition that limits your range of motion. When the tissues in your shoulder joint become thicker and tighter, scar tissue develops over time. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Frozen Shoulder 

 Stiffness of the shoulder before long you find that you can’t move your shoulder as you once did. Reaching for an item on a high shelf becomes difficult, if not impossible. The condition usually develops over 2 to 9 months

What Causes a Frozen Shoulder?

  Inflammatory conditions and inactivity due to an injury, illness, or surgery can mean you are more vulnerable to inflammation and adhesions, which are bands of stiff tissue.  This severely limits your range of motion.

Who Is at Risk for a Frozen Shoulder?

The condition is more likely to occur in middle age and is more common in women. I

Others at risk include:

• people who must wear a shoulder sling for a long period after an injury or surgery
• people who must remain still for long periods of time due to a recent stroke or surgery
• people with thyroid disorders

How Is a Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

If you feel stiffness and pain in your shoulder, see your GP or make an appointment to see one of our physiotherapists here at Prestige Healthcare. A physical exam will help to assess your range of motion. Your GP or Physio will observe as you perform specific movements and measure the range of motion of the shoulder, such as touching your opposite shoulder with your hand.

A few tests may also be necessary. Your GP might refer you for a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) to rule out a tear in your rotator cuff or other pathology. X-rays may also be taken to check for arthritis or other abnormalities.

How Is a Frozen Shoulder Treated?

You can leave a frozen shoulder untreated, but the pain and stiffness can remain for up to three years. A combination of the following can speed up your recovery:

• Physical therapy - stretching exercises to increase range of motion
• Medication - for pain and inflammation
• Surgery - as a last resort
• Home Care - cold and hot application

For more information about frozen shoulder and the related painful condition, or to have an assessment or some treatment contact us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us.