For many who have been diagnosed with this ailment, they don’t remember really hurting or injuring their shoulder. What began as a dull pain for weeks that wouldn’t go away, turned into a nagging pain with rest and movement, ultimately ending with a shoulder that becomes too painful to move or use.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Adhesive Capsulitis, or Frozen Shoulder, happens when the connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickens and becomes stiff. Frozen Shoulder progresses through four stages; pre-freezing, freezing, frozen and thawing.
Frozen Shoulder Risk Factors
The jury is out on what causes Frozen Shoulder and why it starts, but some risk factors are known:
- Recent surgery or injury that results in immobility of the arm
- Over 40 years of age
- Women are affected more than men
- Diabetes
- Other diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and cardiac disease
“With frozen shoulder, it is important to take notice of the symptoms, and the limited mobility that can constantly interfere with activities of daily living,” says Megan McNicholl, physical therapist with ATI in Shorewood. “It is important to see your physician, or have an injury screen performed by a physical therapist at any ATI, to keep your range of motion from becoming more restricted.”
Frozen Shoulder Signs and Symptoms
Megan points out symptoms that should be paid attention to with Frozen Shoulder:
- Increased pain while sleeping
- Dull or aching pain, with or without movement
- Restricted range of motion – feeling like your arm is stuck and won’t go any further
- Increased difficulty with daily activities: reaching your arm behind your back, reaching into the back seat of a car, grabbing a wallet from a back pocket, putting on jacket or shirt
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Physical therapy can help be restoring range of motion through passive range of motion exercises, stretching of tissue and capsule in shoulder and creating a home exercise program that includes both stretching and light strengthening exercises to assist with activities of daily living.
If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, or symptoms of frozen shoulder, and want to know how physical therapy may help, visit any ATI Physical Therapy location for a Complimentary Injury Screening. ATI can evaluate your injury and provide you with options for continued care. You'll be seen by a licensed provider who will provide appropriate recommendations.