Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, describes a condition in which the shoulder is painful to move and movement is often completely restricted. Frozen Shoulder starts as a painful shoulder in which movement is still possible, but restricted. Over 3 to 9 months the pain reduces, whilst the stiffness gradually increases. Eventually the pain goes but the shoulder remains stiff. People recovering from medical conditions affecting the arm, such as stroke or mastectomy, are at a greater risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.

Symptoms Of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder has a very specific presentation and affects certain groups of people.

You would expect to commonly see:

• Shoulder pain; normally a dull,aching pain particularly at night

• Limited movement in multiple directions

• Female aged 40-65

• Diabetic

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly and in three stages. The painful stage (1-3 months), the frozen stage (stiffness 3-9months) and the thawing stage (movement returns 9-18 months).

Treatment Of Frozen Shoulder

The shoulder joint and muscles, ligaments and tendons that support the joint are all encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Adhesive Capsulitis occurs when this capsule becomes inflamed and thickens causing pain and restricting movement.

Physiotherapy can help to reduce the pain and stiffness and if caught early enough can prevent full onset of Frozen Shoulder. This is usually carried out in conjunction with your GP prescribing anti-inflammatory medication or use of a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder.

Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will help improve movement with manual stretching and soft tissue release. A very specific and frequent home exercise programme can also help speed up recovery.

Our Expertise

Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). We have team of Clinical leads who visits our Physiotherapists and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.

Reduced mobility or prolonged immobility of the shoulder increase your risk of developing this problematic condition. Our Physiotherapists have extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Frozen Shoulder, so you know you are in safe hands.