You become aware of a dull pain or ache in one of your shoulders. Over the next few weeks it gets worse, making it difficult to do some everyday tasks, such as dressing or driving. It’s often more painful at night. In a few months your shoulder becomes very stiff and using it in any way is painful.
Osteopathy for Frozen Shoulder
Our fully-qualified and accredited osteopaths go above and beyond to alleviate your pain and support your overall health.
London
Osteo Allies HQ, 4 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PG
Surrey
RJ Clinic, 107 The Street, Fetcham, Surrey, KT22 9RD
Hertfordshire
Woodside Clinic, 37a Hermitage Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BY
What is frozen shoulder?
Who tends to get frozen shoulder
It tends to occur in people aged between 40 and 60. Around 1 in every 20 people will suffer from frozen shoulder at some point in their life.
It usually only affects one shoulder, although some people are unfortunate enough to later experience it in their other shoulder.
How we can help you
What causes frozen shoulder?
It’s not clear what triggers frozen shoulder. It appears to be more common in people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or an under or overactive thyroid.
An arm or shoulder injury or surgery may also make it more likely.
While the trigger for frozen shoulder isn’t well understood, the cause of the pain and stiffness is. Your shoulder joint is in a capsule of fibre, which is usually incredibly flexible. This capsule becomes inflamed and tightens, making movement difficult and painful. It’s also known as adhesive capsulitis.
Will I recover from frozen shoulder?
Many people will recover entirely from frozen shoulder, although this can take two to three years. Some will continue to experience some pain or stiffness for years afterwards.
There are typically three different phases in frozen shoulder – it freezes up, it remains stiff or frozen for months, and finally the freezing eases and movement is restored.
Each of these stages can take several months and it can be three years from the symptoms first appearing to being able to move your shoulder freely, without pain.
Should I seek medical treatment for a frozen shoulder?
Your frozen shoulder will probably heal itself within three to four years. However, getting a medical diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the pain and may help you recover more quickly.
While you’re suffering from frozen shoulder you could be quite seriously incapacitated. Advice from your doctor or osteopath could bring improvement to your quality of life while affected by the condition.
How osteopathy may help with your frozen shoulder.
Your osteopath can help to reduce pain levels and increase the range of movement in your shoulder. The result can be to reduce the restrictions that the symptoms are imposing on your work and leisure activities.
We start by giving a diagnosis. This involves a physical examination of your shoulder, neck and arm, along with gaining an understanding of your medical history and your lifestyle. While this is unlikely to help us determine what caused your frozen shoulder, it allows us to recommend a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
There are a variety of treatment options for frozen shoulder. Our approach involves non-invasive techniques, using physical therapy and recommended exercises.
The physical therapy can include gentle manipulation and articulation of your shoulder area. Working on the bones, muscles and soft tissue can help to reduce some of the inflammation and pain you are experiencing.
We believe in treating the entire person, in order to help you get back to health as quickly as is practical, and with the aim of helping you to stay healthy. This includes giving you some exercises and advice about posture and how you move your body.
If you believe that you may be suffering from frozen shoulder we recommend that you get a medical diagnosis. This will help you to get the information and advice that can significantly reduce the discomfort you’re suffering, and can set you on the path to a swifter recovery.
