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 pain onset
  • Inability to sleep on affected side
  • Painful, restricted movements (particularly shoulder elevation and external rotation)

causes

treatment

  • Physiotherapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Daily activity modification

how does physiotherapy help?

Traditional treatment for frozen shoulder includes physical therapy, acupuncture, and daily activity modification.  With physiotherapy, specific treatment modalities that may be used include TENS, heat, shockwave therapy, and mobilization techniques.