Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis

Anatomy

The shoulder consists of the arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). They form a ball and socket type joint with the ball being the end of the humerus fitting into the scapulas socket. There is a group of muscles which protect and control movement of the shoulder called the rotator cuff.

Injury Process – Four stages

• Stage One: Pain is present with normal movement- the beginning of the inflammatory process
• Stage Two: The shoulder capsule becomes swollen and thickened and consequently movement becomes restricted. Pain becomes more intense and can move down arm and into hand.
• Stage Three: This stage can last for months where if left alone the inflammation can continue leading to scarring. This is why even when pain is gone movement restrictions may remain.
• Stage Four: Scarring gradually stretches and in 90% of cases full movement returns

Signs and Symptoms

• Gradual onset of soreness
• Limited movement of the shoulder
• Worse at night
• Constant pain

Cause

Cause is unknown but it is an inflammatory process of the glenohumeral joint

Commonly no trauma associated

Treatment

• Non steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Avoid sporting and aggravating activities during the inflammatory stages of the condition
• Once inflammatory cycle resolves then  a specific stretching program can be instigated

Often physiotherapy treatment following a cortisone injection into glenohumeral joint can accelerate the recovery process but should be discussed with your health professional.