FROZEN SHOULDER (ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS)

The capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint should have some slight elasticity to it.  This allows for normal movement and range of motion. When you develop frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes tight and thickens, the joint starts to gradually lose its range of motion.  It is a slow progression, and can gradually get worse over a period of one to two years.

What to Look For

There are 3 major stages to frozen shoulder.
Stage 1) Freezing – Your shoulder is in the beginning stages of losing its range of motion. You will start to have pain during this stage as well. During this phase, movement therapies can help to lessen the severity of the changes in the shoulder capsule.

Stage 2) Frozen – In this phase, the capsule is near its worst condition.  Range of Motion is usually at its worst during this phase, although it is not uncommon to have less pain. You may have difficulty with even simple tasks involving shoulder movement.

Stage 3) Thawing – The range of motion in this stage will start to get better.  This can be greatly improved by shoulder exercises and therapies. During this phase, it is critical to get as close to 100% range of motion back as possible. You want to avoid any possibility of this developing into a chronic issue.

What to Do

  • While frozen shoulder is considered coming from an unknown cause AND will resolve on its own over the course of a few years, there are things you can do to improve the pain and healing time.
  • Capsule Stretches – Your Chiropractor can help to perform a movement called circumduction which stretches the capsule to keep flexibility in the shoulder joint.  
  • Exercises – At home exercises can help to maintaIn normal strength and flexibility within the shoulder joint itself. 
  • Adjustments to the neck There are nerve roots that innervate the muscle and tendon of the shoulder.  When these nerve roots are irritated, it can cause changes in the tone of the shoulder musculature.
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