Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and the Role of Wellness Therapy
Does your shoulder feel stiff and painful when moved? Do you find it difficult to lift your arm or reach behind your back? These symptoms could be related to frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.
According to the NHS, frozen shoulder is a condition in which the capsule of tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickens, and tightens, resulting in pain and restricted movement.
This condition can last anywhere from several months to a few years, and recovery times vary from person to person.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Medically, frozen shoulder is known as adhesive capsulitis. It causes two main issues: shoulder pain and stiffness.
As the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, the joint's range of motion becomes restricted. Consequently, simple activities—such as lifting your arm, combing your hair, getting dressed, or reaching for objects overhead—can become difficult.
Cambridge University Hospitals explains that frozen shoulder develops gradually, leading to a reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain and stiffness.
- Increasingly limited shoulder range of motion.
- Difficulty lifting the arm.
- Difficulty rotating the shoulder.
- Trouble combing hair or getting dressed.
- Difficulty reaching behind the back.
- Pain that may worsen at night and disrupt sleep.
The NHS notes that the two primary symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness, with the pain often intensifying at night.
The AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) also explains that frozen shoulder progresses with worsening pain and an increasingly limited ability to move the shoulder.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Interestingly, the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always known. In some people, the condition can appear without an obvious cause.
However, certain conditions are known to be associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
1. Injury or Surgery
Frozen shoulder can develop following an injury, fracture, or surgery when the shoulder and arm become less active during the recovery process.
A lack of movement over a period of time can contribute to stiffness in the joint capsule. (Source: NHS; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
2. Diabetes
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. The link between diabetes and frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but medical sources consistently cite them as related conditions. (Source: NHS)
3. Thyroid Disorders and Certain Health Conditions
Frozen shoulder is also associated with several health conditions, including thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. (Source: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
4. Reduced Shoulder Movement
Individuals who must limit shoulder use for an extended period following an injury or surgery are at a higher risk of developing shoulder stiffness.
Therefore, after an injury or surgery, exercises and movements should be performed under the guidance of the attending healthcare professional. (Source: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust)
5. Age
Frozen shoulder occurs most frequently in the 40–60 age group, although it can affect people of other ages as well.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder generally progresses through three phases.
1. Freezing Phase
During this phase, pain begins to appear and intensifies. Shoulder movement gradually becomes more restricted, and the pain may interfere with sleep.
The AAOS states that the freezing phase can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.
2. Frozen Phase
In the next phase, pain may begin to subside, but shoulder stiffness becomes the dominant issue. Daily activities can become increasingly difficult due to limited range of motion.
According to the AAOS, this phase can last approximately 4–6 months.
3. Thawing Phase
During this recovery phase, shoulder movement gradually begins to return. However, the process can take a considerable amount of time. The AAOS notes that fully regaining shoulder strength and mobility can take anywhere from five months to two years, though the timeframe varies from person to person.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment for frozen shoulder typically focuses on reducing pain and restoring shoulder mobility.
Keep Moving Gently
Ceasing all shoulder activity is not a recommended solution. The NHS recommends keeping the shoulder moving gently while avoiding movements that cause excessive pain.
However, avoid strenuous exercise or forcing your range of motion, as this can worsen the pain.
Exercise and Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help restore shoulder mobility through stretching exercises, strength training, and education on posture and movement.
The NHS identifies physiotherapy as a key approach to helping restore shoulder movement in cases of frozen shoulder.
Warm or Cold Compresses
Warm or cold compresses can provide relief and comfort for some individuals. The NHS recommends wrapping the compress in a cloth rather than applying it directly to the skin.
Pain Relief Medication or Medical Procedures
Doctors may consider pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, or other interventions depending on the patient's condition.
In cases where the condition persists, doctors might consider options such as hydrodistension or other procedures. (Source: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Can Massage Help with Frozen Shoulder?
Massage is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, physiotherapy, or medical treatment for frozen shoulder.
However, appropriate massage and wellness therapies can serve as a complementary treatment, helping the body relax and easing muscle tension around the shoulder area.
Techniques must be tailored to the individual's physical condition. If the shoulder is extremely painful or has significantly limited range of motion, aggressive massage or manipulation should be avoided.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, it is best to undergo a medical examination to determine the underlying cause. Not all shoulder pain is frozen shoulder.
The NHS also notes that shoulder pain can stem from various other conditions, so self-diagnosis is not recommended.
Relieve Shoulder Tension with Etnaprana Wellness
After hours of working at a laptop, performing repetitive tasks, or managing a hectic schedule, the shoulder and neck areas can become tense and uncomfortable.
At Etnaprana Wellness Clinic, our wellness experiences are designed to give your body time to rest and receive comprehensive care. Through holistic massage and wellness therapy, treatments can help induce relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance physical comfort.
If you are experiencing tension in your shoulders and wish to enjoy a soothing wellness session, Etnaprana Wellness Clinic is an excellent choice to complement your self-care and recovery routine.
Book your wellness treatment at Etnaprana Wellness Clinic and give your body the care it deserves.