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Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a progressive condition and if left untreated, can last for several months. The shoulder is a complex joint made up of several different structures. Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder and its surrounding structures become thickened and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness, resulting in day to day activities becoming very difficult to perform.


What causes frozen shoulder?

It is often unclear what causes Frozen shoulder, however, most people who suffer from this condition have had an injury to the shoulder. Some people are more at risk if they:

  • are over the age of 40
  • have experienced a recent trauma
  • suffer from diabetes

What are the symptoms?

Frozen shoulder is often mistaken for other shoulder injuries such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries and tendinitis as the symptoms are very similar. This condition also passes through three phases known as: freezing, frozen and thawing. Symptoms will vary depending on which phase you are experiencing:

  • Freezing- Sharp pain on movement (particularly overhead activities), severe night pain and inability to sleep on the affected shoulder.
  • Frozen- Shoulder stiffness, limited range of movement, pain at the back of the shoulder and reduction in discomfort when sleeping on the affected arm.
  • Thawing- recovery of movement, muscle weakness

How can Frozen Shoulder be diagnosed?

A thorough examination involving a series of movements and special tests is required to confirm or deny a frozen shoulder.


How do we treat a frozen shoulder?

Here at Complete Chiropractic, our sports therapists offer a range of treatment options depending on which stage of the condition you are in. Everybody’s needs are different; therefore, we take the time to create an personlised treatment and rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and safely.  At Complete Chiropractic, our Sports Therapists have studied and learned the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) which is a program specially designed to help treat and prevent Frozen Shoulders.

Treatment used by our sports therapists include:

  • Soft tissue therapy
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Heat or ice therapy
  • Shoulder mobilisations
  • Range of movement exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Aftercare advice

Benefits of sports therapy treatment

Sports therapy treatment offers a wide range of benefits for those with frozen shoulder, which will help to promote recovery. Here at Complete Chiropractic, we want you to recover from your injury as quickly and safely as possible.

Benefits of sports therapy include:

  • Quicker recovery time
  • Reduction in inflammation
  • Pain reduction
  • Improved flexibility/range of movement
  • Increased strength
  • Aftercare advice
  • Prevention of injury reoccurring