Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can be one of the most disabling shoulder conditions, but with the right management, the vast majority of patients make a good recovery.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed, thickened and contracted, causing pain and a significant reduction in both active and passive range of movement. The condition typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women as well as in people with diabetes.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination reveals a global restriction of shoulder movement. Imaging is often used to rule out other causes such as arthritis.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Freezing phase, increasing pain, often severe, with progressive loss of movement (typically 3–9 months)
Frozen phase, pain begins to settle but stiffness is at its worst (typically 9–12 months)
Thawing phase, gradual, spontaneous recovery of movement (typically 12–24 months)
Symptoms
Pain, often severe, particularly at night
Progressive restriction of shoulder movement in all directions
Difficulty with everyday tasks, such as dressing, reaching behind the back, overhead activity
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients improve with time and appropriate conservative management:
Physiotherapy to maintain and gradually restore range of movement
Anti-inflammatory medication for pain management
Corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain, enabling better engagement with physiotherapy
