Frozen Shoulder – Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), is a disorder in which the shoulder capsule, the connective tissue surrounding the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, becomes inflamed and causes persistent stiffness of the shoulder joint, which makes it very difficult to carry out the full range of normal shoulder movements and every day tasks such as dressing and driving.

Pain is usually constant and worse at night, making it impossible to sleep comfortably, and in the winter when the weather is colder. Some people find they are unable to move their shoulder at all, which is why the condition is known as a frozen shoulder.

The exact cause for frozen shoulder is unknown and it can last from five months to three years or more. It is thought in some cases to be caused by injury or trauma to the area; it is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women than men.

There are three stages in the development and recovery of frozen shoulder:

1. Initially, your shoulder will start to ache and will feel stiff before becoming very painful. The pain is often worse at night and when you lie on the affected side. This stage can last from two to nine months.
2. Stage two – the adhesive stage – is where the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff while the pain stays about the same. Shoulder muscles may waste slightly due to less use. This stage lasts four to twelve months.
3. The recovery stage, during which graduale movement in the shoulder is regained and the stiffness eases. The pain will also begin to fade. This stage can last for as little as five months or as long as three to four years.

Shockwave Therapy & Frozen Shoulder

Shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder aims to aid and speed the recovery process. Ideally, you should have a consultation as soon as you believe you are in Stage One of frozen shoulder, although we do undertake shockwave therapy on patients in Stage Two. Generally, two or three appointments will lead to an improvement in the condition and a speedy recovery.

Shockwave Therapy for Diabetics with Frozen Shoulder

The latest focussed shockwave therapy offers a safer treatment option for people with diabetes who suffer from adhesive capsulitis. You can read more about it here.

To find out more, or to arrange an appointment for a free consultation, contact us now.