What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The condition develops when the capsule of connective tissue that wraps around your shoulder thickens and tightens, restricting the joint. However, researchers aren’t entirely clear why this happens. Certain factors can increase your risk:

• Being a woman between the age of 40 and 60 years old
• Having certain diseases, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, or cardiovascular disease
• Immobilizing your shoulder after an injury or surgery

Understanding the Three Phases Of Frozen Shoulder

One reason frozen shoulder recovery can take so long is that the condition progresses through three distinct phases, each with its own set of symptoms and concerns. Here’s what you need to know about each one: 

Freezing Phase

This initial stage is marked by increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder. During this phase, we focus on maintaining your shoulder’s range of motion to help reduce stiffness and improve comfort.

Duration

Anywhere from six weeks to nine months

Symptoms

• A gradual onset of pain that worsens with movement
• Increased stiffness in the shoulder
• Pain is often worse at night, disrupting sleep

Frozen Phase

The frozen stage involves less pain but greater stiffness, significantly restricting your shoulder’s movement. We’ll focus on improving your shoulder’s mobility using stretching or manual therapy techniques.

Duration

Anywhere from four to six months

Symptoms

• Decreased pain compared to the freezing stage
• Significant stiffness and difficulty moving the shoulder
• Everyday movements like reaching overhead or behind the back become challenging

Thawing Phase

In the final stage, your pain decreases, and your shoulder’s range of motion gradually returns. However, it’s important to continue physical therapy to ensure you make a full recovery.

Duration

Anywhere from six months to two years

Symptoms

• Pain continues to decrease

Gradual improvement in mobility as scar tissue around the shoulder capsule begins to loosen and break down

Physical Therapy and Frozen Shoulder: What You Need to Know

Physical therapy plays an essential role in helping you manage frozen shoulder symptoms at all three stages. Our team will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment program, pulling from a range of different techniques based on your current symptoms: 

Acute Pain Management

• We’ll help you manage shoulder pain (especially in the freezing phase) with techniques such as dry needling, Kinesio taping, hot and cold therapy, and more.

Manual Therapy

• Various hands-on techniques can gently mobilize the shoulder joint, improve joint capsule movement, and reduce pain.

Mobility Exercises

• Targeted exercises and techniques help improve your shoulder’s range of motion in all directions, gradually restoring your ability to reach, lift, and rotate your arm.

Strengthening Exercises

• Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint enhances stability and supports improved function.

Management Strategies

• Understanding frozen shoulder is an integral part of managing it. We’ll help you navigate the difficulties of the condition, including identifying which stage you’re in and providing you with home exercises to help alleviate your symptoms.

Ready to Break Free From the Icy Grip of Frozen Shoulder?

If you suspect you have frozen shoulder, schedule an appointment at TherapyWorks & Vibrant Health Solutions. Physical therapy is essential for managing the condition in all three phases, and the earlier you can begin treatment, the better your outcomes will be. Our team is here to help you manage pain, restore mobility, and understand your shoulder’s movement patterns.

Don’t let frozen shoulder hold you back. Call us today to schedule your initial evaluation!

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7031440/