What Is Frozen Shoulder And Will It Ever Go Away?

Frozen shoulder (or Adhesive Capsulitis) is a painful condition of the shoulder and shoulder blade area which typically involves significantly limited active and passive range of motion. While the majority of patients who present with frozen shoulder report having braced/supported the area recently, it is also possible for this condition to begin without any known cause. Frozen shoulder has a few stages to be aware of and symptoms may change over time. Stage 1 typically involves more dull ache turning into a sharp pain with reaching up, out, or back and range of motion is usually close to normal. This stage can involve inflammation within the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.

Stage 2 (Freezing Stage) begins as pain increases and range of motion gradually worsens. This occurs over a period up to 9 months. Inflammation within the ball-and-socket joint tends to worsen during this time.

Stage 3 (Frozen Stage) is known to include severe loss of range of motion and can last for several months to a year. Once this stage is reached a person has a difficult time shampooing hair, reaching into the cupboard, or even lifting their arm to the steering wheel of their car. In stage 3 it is possible for further changes to occur that can further decrease shoulder range of motion or even lead to permanent movement loss.

Stage 4 (Thawing Stage) begins as range of motion gradually returns and pain tends to decrease. You will notice that daily activities you were unable to perform over the past 6-12 months slowly return. The thawing stage can occur over a period of 4 months to 2 years Risk factors associated with adhesive capsulitis include being female, having thyroid disease, being a type 1 or 2 diabetic, being age 40-65, or a prior episode of frozen shoulder on the opposite side. It is not likely to have a recurrence on the same side. While many exercises are recommended to help improve range of motion the condition is often self-limiting, meaning it may go away on it's own with time. Research tends to be back and forth on the best intervention for adhesive capsulitis, but treatment can range from conservative management (Chiro/PT/etc) to steroids and occasionally surgical intervention. In our office we typically utilize a combination of exercise/stretching, manual therapy, dry needling, laser therapy, and taping of the affected shoulder/neck/upper back. Co-management PT or PCP is also typical. Depending on the case x-rays or advanced imaging will be considered. Regardless of the stage you may be in, evaluation by a trained medical professional is essential as the freezing or severely reduced range of motion may be related to another pathology rather than adhesive capsulitis. Feel free to reach out to our office in Marathon City, Wisconsin for assistance or to help find a provider in your area!