04/29/2026
I see many clients who complain of shoulder pain and stiffness, sometimes as extreme as frozen shoulder. The majority of them are women, usually in the age range of 50+
Why does it seem this occurrence is more common in women?
It has to do with—you guessed it!—hormones, specifically estrogen.
There are estrogen receptors in the connective tissue of the shoulder, within the joint capsule and ligaments. Estrogen is what gives these tissues elasticity and helps maintain integrity. Estrogen also has anti-inflammatory properties.
When estrogen declines, elasticity and integrity of the tissue can decline right along with it, and inflammation can begin to rise. This all contributes to stiffness in the joint, and can lead to restriction in mobility.
Is there any good news here?😅
Yes! Being proactive about your mobility can help with prevention. Knowing how to best move your shoulder through different ranges of motion and knowing how to strength train appropriately can set you up for success.
Come see me for an assessment and to customize your care🤗
