Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder: Understanding Frozen Shoulder
March 25, 2025
Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a painful condition characterised by significant stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. This condition develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and contracted, resulting in the formation of adhesions that restrict normal movement.
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, relying on numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide both stability and an impressive range of motion. When adhesive capsulitis develops, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to a progressive loss of function that can significantly impact daily activities.
Stages of Adhesive Capsulitis
Understanding the progression of frozen shoulder can help with treatment planning:
1. Freezing Stage (6-9 months): Characterised by the onset of pain with gradual limitation of motion. Pain is typically worst at night and with certain movements.
2. Frozen Stage (4-6 months): Pain may begin to diminish, but stiffness increases. The shoulder becomes significantly restricted in its range of motion.
3. Thawing Stage (6-24 months): Gradual improvement in range of motion as the capsule begins to loosen, with eventual return to normal or near-normal function.
Without proper intervention, the complete cycle of adhesive capsulitis can last anywhere from 1-3 years.
Common Symptoms of Adhesive Capsulitis
Those suffering from adhesive capsulitis of shoulder typically experience:
* Progressive pain: Initially mild, becoming more severe over weeks or months
* Nighttime discomfort: Pain often worsens when lying still, particularly on the affected side
* Sleep disruption: Many patients report significant sleep disturbances due to pain
* Restricted movement: Difficulty with everyday activities like reaching overhead, behind the back, or to the side
* Pain with specific triggers: Certain movements or bumps can provoke episodes of intense pain
* Weather sensitivity: Symptoms often worsen during cold or damp weather
* Muscle compensation: Development of abnormal movement patterns as the body tries to adapt
The combination of pain and restricted motion can substantially impact quality of life, affecting everything from dressing and personal care to work performance and recreational activities.
Risk Factors and Causes
Whilst the exact cause of adhesive capsulitis remains unclear, several factors are known to increase the risk. It is most commonly seen in individuals aged 40 to 60, with women affected more frequently than men. Periods of shoulder immobility, such as those following injury, surgery, or prolonged positioning, can contribute significantly. Systemic conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, increase the risk by two to four times.
Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, and cardiovascular conditions such as elevated cholesterol levels have also been linked to a higher incidence. Even minor shoulder injuries that appear to have healed, as well as postural abnormalities that place ongoing stress on the joint, may play a role.
Research indicates that the underlying process involves inflammation followed by fibrosis of the joint capsule, which restricts normal shoulder movement.
Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder: Proper Treatment Options
Conservative Management
Most cases of adhesive capsulitis can be successfully managed with non-surgical approaches:
* Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications, heat/cold therapy, and sometimes corticosteroid injections
* Physical therapy: Specialised stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain and restore mobility
* Joint mobilisation: Gentle techniques to maintain joint space and prevent further adhesion formation
* Posture correction: Addressing underlying postural issues that may contribute to shoulder stress
* Activity modification: Adapting daily activities to prevent pain exacerbation whilst maintaining function
Chiropractic Approach
Chiropractic care offers several advantages in managing adhesive capsulitis:
* Comprehensive assessment: Evaluating not just the shoulder but related structures including the spine, ribs, and scapula
* Joint manipulation: Gentle adjustments to the shoulder complex, cervical and thoracic spine to improve biomechanics
* Soft tissue techniques: Including Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, and trigger point therapy
* Posture correction: Addressing underlying issues that may contribute to shoulder dysfunction
* Rehabilitation guidance: Customised exercise programmes to restore proper movement patterns
Our chiropractic approach focuses on addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying biomechanical factors that contribute to adhesive capsulitis.
Advanced Treatment Options
For persistent cases, more interventional approaches may be considered:
* Hydrodilatation: Injection of fluid to expand and stretch the joint capsule
* Manipulation under anaesthesia: Controlled movement of the shoulder whilst sedated to break up adhesions
* Arthroscopic capsular release: Minimally invasive surgical procedure to release the contracted capsule
Recovery Timeline and Outlook
With appropriate treatment, patients can expect:
* Pain reduction: Typically begins within 4-6 weeks of consistent therapy
* Improved range of motion: Gradual increases over 3-6 months
* Return to activities: Phased resumption of normal function as pain and stiffness resolve
Whilst adhesive capsulitis can sometimes resolve on its own over 1-3 years, proper treatment can significantly accelerate this timeline and prevent permanent limitations.
Prevention and Home Care
To support recovery from adhesive capsulitis and reduce the likelihood of recurrence, several preventative strategies are recommended.
Maintaining good posture helps minimise strain on the shoulder joint, while staying active with regular, gentle movement promotes overall joint health. Early intervention is crucial, seeking treatment at the first signs of stiffness can prevent further progression.
Additionally, adherence to a prescribed home exercise programme between professional treatments plays a key role in sustaining mobility and long-term shoulder function.
How We Can Help
At Complete Chiropractic in Dee Why, our team specialises in the assessment and treatment of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. We offer comprehensive care that addresses not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of frozen shoulder.
Our personalised approach considers your specific stage of adhesive capsulitis, overall health status, and functional goals to create an effective treatment plan that maximises recovery whilst minimising pain.
To learn more about your condition and how our chiropractic care can help restore your shoulder function, book a consultation today.
To learn more about our services, visit our homepage.
