The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop gradually and are characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint in the initial stages. The pain may be dull or sharp and may be felt in the upper arm or neck.

As the condition progresses, the shoulder may become increasingly stiff and cause extremely restricted range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching or lifting.

For example, people with frozen shoulder tend to experience difficulties with:

• Reaching above shoulder height

• Throwing a ball

• Reaching for something quickly

• Reaching behind your back to tuck a shirt or clasp a bra

• Sleeping on your sidee

There are 3 distinct stages of frozen shoulder.

Stage 1: Freezing Phase

At this early stage, there is a gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The pain may be worse at night and there may be a limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. This stage may last for 3 to 9 months.

Stage 2: Frozen Phase

During this stage, the pain may decrease, but the stiffness in the shoulder becomes more severe. It may be difficult to perform daily activities such as reaching or lifting, and the range of motion is significantly limited. This stage can last between 9 months to 15 months.

Stage 3: Thawing Phase

In the final stage, the range of motion in the shoulder starts to improve and the stiffness gradually decreases. This stage can take from 15 months to 2 years to fully resolve with the help of physiotherapy.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown and not fully understood at the moment. However, it has been linked to certain risk factors such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and whether you have had previous shoulder injuries or surgeries.

Physiotherapy Assessment and Diagnosis

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for frozen shoulder, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further damage.

At Prohealth, our physiotherapists will perform a series of tests to determine the stage (“freezing", “frozen" or “thawing") and location of the frozen shoulder and the factors contributing to your injury. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and situation.

Physiotherapy Treatments and Advice

Once our physiotherapists have assessed the condition thoroughly, they will customise a treatment plan to help you recover faster and return to pain-free mobility.

We use a range of physiotherapy methods to treat frozen shoulder, including:

• Manual therapy for soft tissue and joint mobilization to release tension in the shoulder
  

• Pain management techniques including shockwave therapy, acupuncture

• Remedial exercises and stretches to maintain shoulder range of motion

• Specific shoulder mobilization and strengthening exercises

Need Help With Your Frozen Shoulder?

If you have been experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, make sure to consult your physiotherapist. There is no quick treatment solution for frozen shoulders. If left untreated, the symptoms and discomfort can last a long time and get worse.

Our physiotherapists are highly experienced in managing and treating the symptoms of frozen shoulder as well as other musculoskeletal conditions.