11/25/2025
If you’ve been living with shoulder stiffness and pain that seems to get worse over time — and you can’t raise your arm the way you used to — you might be dealing with Frozen Shoulder (also called Adhesive Capsulitis).
It’s a frustrating and often misunderstood condition — one that can take months or even years to resolve without proper care.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
1. What’s actually happening.
Your shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint) is surrounded by a capsule — a thin layer of connective tissue that allows your shoulder to move freely in all directions.
With frozen shoulder, that capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, and the tissues inside begin to form adhesions (essentially internal “stickiness”).
This dramatically limits movement and makes even simple motions — like putting on a jacket or reaching overhead — feel painful and restricted.
The condition typically follows a pattern of three stages:
⚠️ Freezing: Pain increases and range of motion decreases.
⚠️ Frozen: Pain may lessen, but stiffness is severe.
⚠️ Thawing: Gradual return of motion as the capsule loosens.
It often develops after shoulder injuries, surgeries, or periods of immobility — but sometimes it shows up seemingly out of nowhere, especially in people over 40, or those with metabolic or hormonal changes.
2. Why rest alone doesn’t solve it.
Many people assume frozen shoulder just needs rest, but inactivity can actually make things worse. The less the shoulder moves, the more restricted the capsule becomes — creating a painful cycle of stiffness and guarding.
The key is controlled, guided movement paired with targeted manual therapy that helps reduce adhesions and calm the nervous system’s protective response.
3. How I approach treatment.
In my clinic, I use RAPID Neurofascial Reset to address the soft-tissue restrictions around the shoulder capsule, chest, and upper back.
This isn’t about forcing range of motion — it’s about working with the nervous system to release tension and improve movement safely.
By restoring fascial glide and reducing protective tone, patients often experience improved range, reduced pain, and faster progression through recovery.
Treatment is always tailored to your stage of healing — we meet your body where it’s at.
4. The path forward.
Frozen shoulder takes patience, but it’s not permanent.
With the right treatment, movement work, and time, your shoulder can and will recover.
If you’ve been struggling with limited movement, night pain, or stiffness that isn’t improving — don’t wait it out. The earlier we start treatment, the faster we can help you move again.
📍 Mike Johnston RMT — Weyburn, SK
💻 www.mikejohnstonrmt.ca
🗓️ Book your assessment today and take the first step toward getting your shoulder moving again.