Introduction
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and restricted motion in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually, often worsening over time, and can take months—or even years—to fully resolve without intervention.
The condition affects about 2–5% of the population, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 60, and is more prevalent in women. Although its exact cause is not always clear, frozen shoulder often arises after injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization of the shoulder.
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we focus on restoring shoulder mobility, reducing pain, and improving long-term joint function through non-invasive, conservative care.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (the joint capsule) thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that restrict movement. This leads to a cycle of stiffness and pain that gradually limits function.
The condition typically progresses through three clinical stages:
- Freezing Stage (Painful Stage):
- Duration: 6 weeks to 9 months
- Symptoms: Increasing shoulder pain, particularly at night; progressive loss of motion.
- Frozen Stage (Adhesive Stage):
- Duration: 4 to 6 months
- Symptoms: Pain may lessen, but stiffness worsens. Daily activities like reaching overhead or behind the back become extremely difficult.
- Thawing Stage (Resolution Stage):
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years
- Symptoms: Gradual improvement in range of motion and reduced discomfort.
Causes and Risk Factors
While frozen shoulder sometimes develops without an obvious trigger, several factors increase risk:
- Immobilization: Following fractures, surgery, or prolonged sling use.
- Systemic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Age and Gender: More common between 40–60 years, particularly in women.
- Shoulder Trauma: Previous shoulder injuries or inflammation.
- Postural Dysfunction and Muscle Imbalances: Poor posture and muscular weakness can predispose the shoulder joint to restricted motion.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The hallmark symptoms include:
- Persistent dull or aching shoulder pain
- Stiffness and difficulty with overhead or behind-the-back movements
- Pain worsening at night or when lying on the affected shoulder
- Limited ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, reaching, or lifting
These symptoms overlap with other shoulder conditions, such as shoulder pain, making accurate diagnosis essential.
Diagnosis
Frozen shoulder is primarily a clinical diagnosis, based on medical history and physical examination.
- Range of Motion Testing: Significant restriction in both active and passive movement.
- Imaging: X-rays or MRI may be ordered to exclude rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or other shoulder pathologies.
- Medical History: Reviewing risk factors such as diabetes or recent shoulder immobilization.
Conservative Treatment Options
Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, chiropractic treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on restoring joint mobility, reducing pain, and addressing muscular imbalances.
Treatment strategies may include:
- Spinal and shoulder joint adjustments to improve biomechanics and restore proper motion.
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce adhesions, muscle tension, and inflammation.
- Gentle mobilization techniques to gradually improve range of motion without overstressing the joint.
- Postural correction and strengthening exercises to support long-term recovery.
Other Conservative Options
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening programs tailored to frozen shoulder stages.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: To reduce pain and improve tissue elasticity.
- Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs may reduce pain and inflammation.
- Steroid Injections (in severe cases): Sometimes used but carry risks and do not address underlying dysfunction.
Self-Care and Home Strategies
Patients can complement chiropractic care with at-home measures, including:
- Gentle daily stretching: Pendulum swings, towel stretches, and wall walks.
- Heat application before stretching: Helps loosen tight tissues.
- Regular movement: Avoid complete immobilization, as it worsens stiffness.
- Good posture practices: Prevents strain on shoulder and surrounding muscles.
Prevention
Although not all cases can be prevented, steps that reduce risk include:
- Maintaining regular shoulder mobility through stretching
- Managing systemic conditions such as diabetes
- Avoiding prolonged immobilization after surgery or injury
- Seeking early chiropractic evaluation when shoulder stiffness begins
FAQs About Frozen Shoulder
1. How long does frozen shoulder last?
It can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years without treatment, though conservative care may significantly shorten recovery.
2. Is frozen shoulder the same as rotator cuff injury?
No. Frozen shoulder involves tightening of the joint capsule, while rotator cuff injuries involve muscle or tendon damage.
3. Can chiropractic care cure frozen shoulder?
Chiropractic care cannot “cure” the condition, but it can restore mobility, reduce pain, and speed recovery.
4. Does frozen shoulder always affect both shoulders?
Not usually. Most cases are unilateral, but some patients may develop it in the opposite shoulder later.
5. Can frozen shoulder return after recovery?
Recurrence in the same shoulder is uncommon, though patients with diabetes may face a higher risk.
6. When should I see a chiropractor for frozen shoulder?
If you experience persistent stiffness, pain, or limited range of motion, early chiropractic evaluation helps prevent worsening and promotes faster recovery.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a painful and limiting condition that progresses through distinct stages and can significantly impact quality of life. While it may resolve on its own, the recovery timeline is long and often frustrating.
Chiropractic care at Family Chiropractic of Clark provides safe, non-invasive, and effective strategies to reduce pain, restore shoulder mobility, and prevent long-term dysfunction. If you are experiencing shoulder stiffness or restricted motion, schedule an evaluation with our team today and begin your path toward recovery.
