30/10/2025
• Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is a common between the ages of 40-60
• It affects 3-5% of the population and is more common in women
• it is generally understood to be an inflammatory process of the shoulder capsule which results in thickening and fibrosis.
• It generally occurs spontaneously but can also occur after surgery or trauma to the shoulder.
• While we are getting better at identifying features on ultrasound and MRI imaging that appear consistent with frozen shoulder, there is still not a validated form of imaging which can diagnose the condition.
• Diagnosis tends to be made clinically based on the presentation and physical examination.
• While often tricky to differentiate from other injuries to the shoulder in the very early stages, the clinical presentation as it progresses tends to be distinct.
• The condition can be broken into 4 phases;
• Painful Phase - where inflammation and synovitis have been triggered, the shoulder is very painful but not yet stiff.
• Freezing Phase - new fibrous tissue is laid down, resulting in increased stiffness but a gradual decrease in pain.
• Frozen Phase - the capsule retracts and is very stiff but generally not sore.
• Thawing Phase - spontaneous release of fibrosis and scaring of the joint and associated increase in mobility.
• Management of the conditions will; vary considerably depending on stage of the condition.
• In the early painful stages, managing inflammation is the primary focus and stretching is not advised.
• Anti- inflammatory medication and steroid injections in the early phases can be quite helpful.
• In the later, predominately stiff phases, stretching and joint mobilisaiton to restore range is encouraged.
• If you suspect you may be suffering from frozen shoulder, book an appointment today for an accurate diagnosis and plan to get you back to your best as quickly as possible!
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