Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Condition

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful shoulder condition that typically involves discomfort and stiffness around the shoulder joint. Unlike many shoulder ailments, this one can take time to develop and can become quite painful before it resolves itself. The condition tends to progress in three stages, with each characterized by their own symptoms. Those stages include the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage. Together, those three stages of progressive freezing and thawing can last for anywhere from a year to more than four years.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens to the point where it loses its range of motion. That capsule is made up of all the tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint. When it becomes thicker and tighter, two things happen: scar tissue forms and the amount of lubricating synovial fluid drops. Those effects combine to reduce mobility, which increases the pain and stiffness.

While this condition generally resolves itself, osteopathic care can help to relieve symptoms and expedite the healing process.

What Causes this Condition?

Medical science has yet to determine the exact causes for this shoulder condition. However, they have identified risk factors that can help patients understand when they might be more prone to suffering from adhesive capsulitis:

• Injuries and temporary disabilities. Patients who have suffered a broken arm, rotator cuff injury, or stroke are at increased risk.
• Pre-existing diseases. A variety of different diseases may make patients more susceptible to this capsule tightening, including diabetes, Parkinson’s, thyroid diseases, cardiovascular ailments.
• Immobility during recovery from surgery, stroke, or injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

As noted, the symptoms associated with this condition can change depending on its progression. The three stages and their symptoms include:

• The Freezing Stage. During this stage of the condition, there is pain in the shoulder when it moves, as well as some loss of mobility. The pain tends to become more severe over weeks and months. Finally, the stage usually lasts between six to nine months.
• The Frozen Stage. At this stage, the pain usually subsides somewhat as the shoulder stiffens even more. Range of motion is dramatically impaired and can inhibit normal daily functions. Patients typically experience this stage for between four and twelve months.
• The Thawing Stage. In this final stage, things begin to return to normal as the pain subsides even more and range of motion begins to dramatically improve. This is often the longest stage of the process, lasting from six months to two years.

In addition to pain and limited mobility, patients can experience dull aches and sleeplessness. Osteopathic care can be an effective way to address these symptoms.

How We Can Help

Leonid Tafler, D.O. can provide the osteopathic treatment you need to relieve pain, improve mobility and range of motion, and expedite your body’s natural healing process. Treatment options can include manual manipulation, appropriate exercises, and lifestyle changes.