Frozen
Shoulder
by Dave O'Brien, PT, Diploma, MDT
Frozen
Sholuder (a.k.a. capsulitis
of the gleno-humeral joint) is characterized by soulder pain and stiffness with a significant loss of range
of motion. Capuslitis is said to go through three
stages:
- The first stage is called the
painful stage (and appropriately so). It involves constant pain that can
start with or without specific injury to the shoulder. Pain can be worse
at night and disturb sleep. This phase can last 2-9 months. Treatment at
this stage generally involves anti-inflamatory
medications and rest.
- The second stage is the
frozen or stiff phase. It is characterized by intermittent pain and
stiffness in the shoulder that significantly limits movement in multiple
directions. Pain is produced when the patient moves to the limit of range.
This stage can last 4-12 months. A program of self stretching exercises
prescribed by a physical therapist may help shorten the period of
limitation.
- The third,
and final stage is the thawing phase. This can take up to two years. The
average duration of symptoms from onset to recovery is 30 months. Since
the natural history of capulitis is
self-limiting, more aggressive treatment are usually unnecessary.