Frozen Shoulder

• Conditions resulting from shoulder hypomobility generally fall under the “frozen shoulder” category.  Frozen shoulder serves as an umbrella term for disorders such as rotator cuff tendonitis and tears, biceps tendonitis and tears, and other painful shoulder syndromes.
• Has 3 stages:

1. Pain phase – Inflammation of synovial lining, thickening of joint capsule, synovial fluid loss, and decreased range of motion
2. Frozen phase – Thickening of rotator cuff tendons, loss of joint space, and joint capsule fibrosis are seen.  Individual may experience decrease pain.
3. Resolution phase – Joint ROM increases and individual gradually returns to normal daily activities.

• Symptoms: slow onset of pain, inability to sleep on the affected side, and painful and restricted movements (involving elevation and external rotation). 
• Treatment: Traditional techniques include physical therapy, acupuncture, and daily activity modification.  Within physical therapy, treatment modalities may consist of TENS, heat, shockwave therapy, and mobilization techniques.  

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