Frozen Shoulder
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition characterised by progressive stiffening and contraction of the shoulder joint capsule. It causes a gradual, global restriction of all shoulder movements that can become severely disabling. Frozen shoulder prevents patients from reaching overhead, sleeping on the affected side or performing basic self-care activities.
The condition typically progresses through three overlapping phases: a painful freezing phase, a frozen phase where pain begins to ease but stiffness peaks and a thawing phase of gradual spontaneous resolution. Without specialist management, total recovery can take 1–3 years and some patients are left with permanent residual stiffness. Specialist Hand Therapy across all phases significantly reduces pain and accelerates recovery.
What causes Frozen Shoulder?
- Idiopathic: the majority of cases occur without a clear precipitating cause
- Diabetes: a major risk factor, with up to 20% of diabetic patients developing frozen shoulder
- Hypothyroidism and other endocrine conditions
- Previous shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand injury or surgery: prolonged immobilisation triggers secondary capsulitis
Signs & symptoms
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain, often beginning at night and with certain movements
- Progressive loss of all shoulder movements
- Difficulty with overhead activities, dressing and reaching behind the back
- Pain that gradually diminishes as stiffness peaks
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Frozen Shoulder. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
In the acute freezing phase, pain management is the priority. Ms Razo provides advice and education aimed at reducing pain. Understanding frozen shoulder as a condition helps patients engage with rehabilitation.
A carefully graded Hand Therapy programme targets the specific movement restrictions of adhesive capsulitis. The programme regularly reassessment and changes as your symptoms and function improve.
As shoulder movement returns, functional rehabilitation restores the use of the arm in daily activities, overhead tasks and work. Prescribed therapeutic interventions restore full shoulder function and prevent recurrence.
Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release are used to accelerate recovery in resistant cases. Following these procedures, immediate specialist rehabilitation is critical to maintain the movement gained and restore full shoulder function before recurrence of stiffness.
Frequently asked questions
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The majority of frozen shoulders do eventually resolve spontaneously, but this can take 1–3 years. A significant proportion of patients are left with some permanent residual stiffness. Specialist management across all phases reduces pain and accelerates the best chance of full recovery. Early intervention is beneficial.
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Aggressive stretching into pain is not recommended, particularly when the shoulder is highly irritable. The approach should be guided by the phase of the condition. Ms Razo will guide the appropriate exercise intensity for your current stage.
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Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) involves stretching the shoulder joint under a general or regional anaesthetic to break down the adhesions within the joint capsule and restore movement. It is typically considered when non-operative management has not produced sufficient progress after a number of months. Immediate post-operative Hand Therapy is essential to consolidate the movement gained before the capsule can re-tighten.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.