What is it?
Frozen shoulder is when there is a significant decrease in range of motion due to extreme stiffness or immobility in the Glenohumeral joint by adhesions in the joint or inflammation of the capsule by the Humerus.
It can take about 4 months to two years to develop; it’s not something that happens overnight. There are 2 stages of frozen shoulder:
- Pre-adhesive stage: limited range of motion loss
- Acute adhesive synovitis stage: painful arc, the joint seizes and the range of motion is slightly decreased
- Maturation stage: painful at the end of range of motion, significant increase in stiffness which decreases range of motion
- Chronic stage: extreme loss of range of motion
Some Signs and Symptoms
Patients report they have increased pain and stiffness in their shoulder joint and decrease in their range of motion in all directions but particularly in abduction and external rotation.
Since this condition has a gradual onset it’s a slow long term process to heal, it may take over a year to get your shoulder back to functioning! During the acute phase it’s important to control swelling. There are a few conservative treatment options available which may help alleviate some of the pain especially in the post-acute stage, contact your Chiropractor to learn more!
If you would like to schedule an appointment with me click here to book online for a Chiropractic appointment in Winnipeg.
Source: Conditions Manual By Dr.Nikita Viznia and Dr.Michael Carnes, Differential Diagnosis for the Chiropractor: Protocol and Alogorithms by Thomas A. Souza
