Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder in Mississauga

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, leading to restricted movement. Over time, the shoulder joint becomes less mobile, which can significantly impact daily activities. In this article, we’ll cover the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for frozen shoulder, including how therapies such as physiotherapy and sport injuries therapy can aid in recovery.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, causing stiffness and pain. As the condition progresses, the shoulder’s range of motion becomes severely restricted. This condition is more common in individuals aged 40 to 60 and tends to affect women more than men. Although the exact cause is often unclear, certain factors such as prolonged immobility, diabetes, or previous shoulder injuries can increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically presents in three stages:

• Freezing Stage: The shoulder becomes increasingly painful, especially when moving, leading to a gradual reduction in range of motion.
• Frozen Stage: Pain subsides but stiffness remains, and the shoulder’s mobility is significantly limited.
• Thawing Stage: This final stage involves a gradual recovery in mobility and less pain, though full recovery may take several months.

Common symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Pain: Aching pain that worsens with movement or during the night.
• Limited Mobility: Difficulty lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or performing daily tasks.
• Stiffness: A noticeable lack of movement in the shoulder joint.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can be caused by a number of factors:

• Immobility: After an injury, surgery, or period of limited movement, the shoulder may become stiff.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more prone to frozen shoulder due to changes in the connective tissue.
• Previous Shoulder Injuries: Trauma to the shoulder, such as a rotator cuff injury, can lead to this condition if not managed properly.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like arthritis or tendonitis can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can be effectively managed using treatments like physiotherapy, sport injuries therapy, and other therapies designed to improve mobility and reduce pain.

• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is an essential treatment for frozen shoulder, involving targeted exercises that focus on restoring range of motion. Physiotherapists use various techniques, including stretching, strengthening, and joint mobilizations to address stiffness and discomfort. This therapy is especially useful in the freezing and frozen stages of the condition, as it helps maintain as much mobility as possible during recovery.
• Sport Injuries Therapy: If your frozen shoulder is related to an athletic injury or overuse, sport injuries therapy can provide specialized care. This therapy focuses on rehabilitating the shoulder, addressing both the joint and muscle imbalances that contribute to pain and stiffness. Specific exercises and techniques designed to enhance mobility and strength can be used to improve function and reduce discomfort.
• Work Injuries Therapy: In cases where frozen shoulder is a result of repetitive work activities, work injuries therapy helps by focusing on the recovery of movement and strength for workers. By addressing the root cause of the condition—be it poor posture or repetitive strain—work injuries therapy can aid in returning to normal function and preventing recurrence.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

In severe cases, surgery may be required to address frozen shoulder. Post-surgical rehabilitation involves physiotherapy to restore shoulder strength and mobility following the procedure. This ensures that the shoulder heals correctly and reduces the risk of complications.

How We Can Help

If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, we are here to support your recovery. Our experienced physiotherapists can assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that incorporates physiotherapy, sport injuries therapy, or work injuries therapy to help restore movement and alleviate pain. Start your journey to recovery with us today. Contact us to schedule an appointment.