What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder treatment is something we are specialists in here at Keilor Road Physiotherapy. Frozen shoulder, or what is clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition seen more commonly in females between the ages of 35 to 65. Typically, it occurs with a spontaneous onset of pain and progressive restriction with movements of the shoulder. Everyday tasks such as washing your hair or reaching behind your back to tuck your shirt in can become very painful and difficult. The pain tends to be deep in the shoulder, however you may experience it in the upper arm, upper back and neck. Frozen shoulder is also associated with shoulder pain at night.
Frozen shoulder treatment.
The shoulder joint is known as a ball and socket joint. This type of joint allows for large ranges of movement in multiple directions. However, to keep the ball held in place it is supported by strong connective tissue. This connective tissue can become irritated and result in the symptoms experienced with frozen shoulder. The exact cause is still unknown, however it can develop following a recent minor or serious shoulder injury, surgery and/or a period of immobilisation. There also appears to be a familial connection for sufferers of frozen shoulder.
Generally, there is three phases of a frozen shoulder:
1. Freezing Phase – gradual onset of shoulder pain at rest, and sharp pain with movements. Progressive loss of movement in the shoulder. Increased shoulder pain at night
2. Frozen Phase – pain starts to subside but significant restriction and stiffness with shoulder movements remains. Shoulder pain at night decreases.
3. Thawing phase – progressive improvements in shoulder range of motion.
If you begin to experience shoulder pain and stiffness, the team here at Keilor Road Physiotherapy are specialists in performing a comprehensive physical examination to confirm your diagnosis. Differential problems at the shoulder include rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy, bursitis or shoulder impingement.
Following the assessment, your shoulder physiotherapist at Keilor Road Physio will discuss a thorough and individualised management plan. This will include personalised goals, an outline of the timeframes to expect a full recovery from your frozen shoulder and the different treatment techniques that will be utilised to speed this process up. Keilor Road Physiotherapists are experts at determining what stage of the condition you may be experiencing and utilise the latest evidence-based treatment principles to ensure you receive the best management.
Treatment for adhesive capsulitis.
Physiotherapy treatment for a frozen shoulder includes specific stretching exercises initially, alongside manual therapy techniques to regain range of motion in the shoulder. Research by Cavalieri et al (2020) has shown that physiotherapy lead exercises are effective at improving function, mobility and pain.
Your Keilor Road Physiotherapist may also suggest a Hydrodilitation Injection in your management plan. Studies have found a Hydrodilitation Injection can assist in stretching the shoulder joint capsule and calming the inflammation (Cavalieri et al, 2020), thus complimenting your physiotherapy management plan.
Commonly, following a frozen shoulder, individuals experience significant weakness in the shoulder and arm. A graduated and tailored strengthening program is therefore important to ensure full function is restored in the shoulder and to also prevent any further injuries or complications following your recovery.
If you do begin to notice any shoulder pain or stiffness, Keilor Road Physiotherapy are the experts at reducing shoulder pain and stopping its recurrence. Servicing Niddrie, Essendon, Airport West, Keilor & Melbourne’s Northern suburbs for over 40 years, you can book with one of our highly trained shoulder physios below or call 93794557 to speak to one of our admin superstars.
Related links
References
Cavalieri, E., Servadio, A., Berardi, A., Tofani, M., & Galeoto, G. (2020). The Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Idiopathic or Primary Frozen Shoulder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ), 10(1).
Article by
Tom Bevan-Shannon | Physiotherapist
Tom completed a bachelor of Exercise Science from LaTrobe University before completing his Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Technology Sydney. He has since worked as a sports trainer in Sydney’s premier AFL division as well as junior elite soccer programs for Football Federation Victoria. This year Tom is the Physio for Essendon Royals FC and the Fremantle Dockers AFLW side.