Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is characterised by a progressive loss of movement of the shoulder and increase in pain. The pathology of frozen shoulder results in a decreased joint size or volume due to thickened joint capsule and adhesions of joint tissue.

What causes frozen shoulder?

• Occurs post trauma or surgery
• Can be insidious onset

Signs and symptoms

• Restriction of the shoulder
• Loss of movement
• Tight muscles around the shoulder
• Sharp pain with raising arm
• Neck pain or tightness
• Weakness of shoulder

Treatment

• Manual physiotherapy:
  • Joint Mobilisations
  • Soft tissue massage
• Therapeutic exercise:
  • Mobility exercises
  • Scapula exercises
  • Stretching
• Taping
• Address contributing factors:
  • Correct posture
  • Ergonomic advice (i.e. workplace set-up, e.g. lumbar roll, computer height etc)
• Posture education
• Encourage normal activity and work.