Frozen Shoulder
This condition is fairly common in the general population and is characterised by a very restricted/stiff and painful shoulder. Frozen shoulder can present after traumatic incidents such as fractures, dislocations or falls particularly in middle-aged or older people but commonly occurs for no apparent reason. Some population groups such as diabetics are more prone to the condition but current research can not explain as to why this is. The characteristic progression of the condition follows three distinct phases. In the initial phase pain is the overiding complaint and leads to a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder. The second phase involves the lining of the shoulder (the joint capsule) becoming thickened and inflamed. This phase is characterised by a marked reduction in range of movement, still associated with pain but this lessens as the shoulder becomes more stiff. The third and final phase is what has been called the "thawing" phase. As the term suggests, this is the phase where, over time, the movement in the shoulder returns to normal and if the joint capsule were to be viewed via an arthroscope (telescope in the joint) it will have returned to almost its natural state.
The incidence of true frozen shoulder is actually less common than most people think. Unfortunately other conditions are often misdiagnosed as frozen shoulder as they can present similarly in the early stages. These other conditions may include rotator cuff problems or shoulder impingement syndrome. To be sure of an accurate diagnosis consultation with an experienced physiotherapist is recommended. The classic diagnostic sign involves identifying the "capsular pattern" of the shoulder. This is charaterised by a distinct ratio of movement loss due to the way the shoulder capsule tightens. Leeds Shoulder Clinic offers a specialist service involving accurate assessment of shoulder conditions including diagnosis of a frozen shoulder.
How does physiotherapy help?
Frozen shoulder has a natural resolution time ranging from six months to two or more years, however, the condition has been known to last longer in certain cases. At Leeds Shoulder Clinic physiotherapy during the painful stage may include acupuncture and other pain relieving modalities. During the later stages (described above) of the condition, joint mobilisation techniques and specific stretches or exercises are implemented to maximise shoulder range of movement. Because Leeds Shoulder Clinic is a specialist shoulder physiotherapy establishment, we also offer advice regarding injection therapy and whether a surgical opinion is appropriate.
