31 Aug Physiotherapy and Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder (known as adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where there is severe pain, stiffness and loss of movement in your shoulder joint. The symptoms of this condition gradually worsen over time then resolves within a duration of 1- 3 years.
Adhesive Capsulitis causes the capsule of the shoulder joint to shrink and thicken which then results in pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint capsule, and further leads to reduced shoulder range of movement. The shoulder capsule normally functions to keep the humerus within the socket of the shoulder joint.
Risk Factors
- Age: 40-60 years old
- Sex: Women
- Prolong immobility, and/ or reduced mobility of the shoulder secondary to a medical condition or procedure which may include the following: rotator cuff injury, stroke, post-surgery, a fractured arm
- Systemic Diseases: Parkinson’s Disease, Tuberculosis, Diabetes, Overactive or Underactive thyroid, Cardiovascular disease
Symptoms (in 3 stages)
- Freezing (RED phase)
- Pain around the shoulder in this phase is followed by the progressive loss of shoulder range of movement which can last anywhere between 3 to 9 months
- Frozen (PINK phase)
- Shoulder stiffness is predominated in this phase which can last anywhere between 9-15 months
- The shoulder can be very painful during the transition between the RED to PINK phase
- The second half of the PINK phase is usually pain-free with limited/ restricted shoulder function due to stiffness
- Thawing (WHITE phase)
- There is a gradual return of shoulder range of movement in this phase which can last anywhere between 15-24 months
Assessment:
Your physiotherapist will provide a correct diagnosis of your shoulder condition based on your clinical examination, symptom behaviour and history.
Treatment:
The main focus of physiotherapy treatments in the initial RED phase is on pain relief. In the later WHITE phase, the focus on physiotherapy treatments is shifted towards the regaining of shoulder range of movement and function.
Contact us today
Get in touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy on (03) 9510 8866 or 0431083985 or book a consultation here online. With the help of our friendly and professional physiotherapists, you’ll have the support you need to feel your best through this challenging but exciting time in your life.