What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder (aka Adhesive Capsulitis) is a relatively common disorder of the shoulder, causing pain and loss of movement.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause is unknown but frozen shoulder appears to be more common in the 50+ age group and in diabetics.  It sometimes occurs after an injury or surgery to the shoulder but can develop spontaneously.

Your shoulder joint is surrounded by a bag called the joint capsule.  Within the capsule is fluid (known as synovial fluid) which acts as a lubricant.

In a healthy shoulder there is approx 60ml of synovial fluid and the capsule is loose to allow plenty of movement.  During Frozen Shoulder, the amount of synovial fluid is reduced and the capsule sticks to itself.  This can be very painful!  It also restricts the flexibility of the shoulder joint.

Frozen Shoulder also results in a lot of inflammation in the capsule.  This inflammation is thought to spread to neighbouring structures such as the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon and bursae (fluid filled sacks between joints and muscles).  Pain often becomes more widespread and the affected muscles tighten, further reducing flexibility.

How long does Frozen Shoulder last?

The duration of Frozen Shoulder varies from person to person and depends on what treatment you receive.  An untreated case of Frozen Shoulder can last 18-36 months.  Nearly all cases will spontaneously resolve eventually.

There are several treatment options for Frozen Shoulder which I’ll discuss in the next few weeks.

I use Niel-Asher Technique for shoulder pain.  Book a free consultation to find out more – call 020 8520 5268.