Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Colchester
In this post we’ll cover Frozen Shoulder & Treatment Options:
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Phases of Frozen Shoulder aka Adhesive Capsulitis
Brief Anatomy of the Shoulder
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Benefits of Frozen Shoulder Treatment at our office
Frozen Shoulder FAQ’s
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
You may have heard of the term “frozen shoulder”, and the name is quite literal. It refers to the condition when your shoulder's movement becomes severely limited, almost like it's frozen in place. This occurs when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, and adhesions form in the joint and surrounding tissues, resulting in significant pain and restricted movement. Due to the pain, people tend to avoid moving their arm, which in turn leads to further loss of mobility. Frozen Shoulder, medically referred to as Adhesive Capsulitis, is divided into three overlapping phases, which we will discuss in the following section.
Phases of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses through three phases:
(1) Painful / Freezing Phase: Pain & stiffness around the shoulder, the pain may be more severe at night. This phase lasts 2-9 months (10-36 weeks).
(2) Frozen/ Adhesive Phase: Restricted shoulder range of motion. The pain subsides slightly, but the stiffness persists, limiting shoulder use. This phase occurs at 4-12 months.
(3) Thawing/ Recovery Phase: Inflammation decreases and range of motion returns. This phase can take between 1- 3.5 years (12 months to 42 months).
Will Frozen Shoulder Go Away on Its Own?
While frozen shoulder is a self-limiting condition that resolves naturally, the recovery process can be lengthy, often lasting 1-4 years and potentially resulting in incomplete shoulder mobility and function. To accelerate your recovery and healing, schedule an appointment with at our Colchester office. - Book here
Brief Anatomy of the Shoulder
Humerus (Upper Arm)
Shoulder Joint Capsule
Inflamed Shoulder Joint Capsule
Coracoacromial Ligament
Long head of the Biceps Tendon
Acromioclavical Ligament
The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket on your shoulder blade (glenoid fossa). This joint is held together by a joint capsule- a tough, flexible connective tissue. Strong ligaments help provide stability to the shoulder joint, and the muscles around your shoulder, especially a group called the rotator cuff, help move and stabilize the shoulder.
In frozen shoulder, the stretchy joint capsule becomes thickened, inflamed, and contracted. This makes it hard to move your arm. Bands of scar tissue, called adhesions, also form within the joint capsule, further restricting movement. Sometimes, the cushions (bursae) around the joint and the rotator cuff tendons of the muscles can also become involved due to the inflammation and restricted shoulder motion.
Cause of Frozen Shoulder
Researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause for Frozen Shoulder. However, the condition is characterized by inflammation that causes the shoulder joint capsule to thicken and tighten. Over time, thick bands of scar tissue, known as adhesions, form in the joint capsule. This process leads to a decrease in synovial fluid, limiting joint lubrication and restricting joint mobility.
Risk Factors
Age (over 40)
Female
Immobility
Previous Shoulder Injuries (rotator cuff tear, fractures)
Previous Shoulder Surgeries
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Cardiovascular disease
Parkinson’s disease
Treatment Options
While various treatments exist, the two primary goals of all treatment are increasing shoulder motion and decreasing pain.
Treatment modalities for frozen shoulder include:
Medication
Local Steroid Injection
Physical Therapy
Manipulation under Anesthesia
Surgery (Capsular Release)
Chiropractic Techniques for Treating Frozen Shoulder
At Mahoney Chiropractic Group, we offer non-surgical, chiropractic-focused care for frozen shoulder. Our experienced chiropractors utilize a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of chiropractic adjustments, Class IV Laser Therapy, and EPAT Shockwave Therapy to help you regain movement, find relief, and promote recovery.
Our Comprehensive frozen shoulder treatment:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Precise manipulations restore joint mobility, reduce pain, and break up adhesions.
Shockwave Therapy: High-energy sound waves reduce pain, improve range of motion, stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, and decrease inflammation.
Class 4 Laser Therapy: High-powered light energy accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, improves blood flow and promotes tissue repair.
Benefits of Our Non-Invasive Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Significant Pain Relief: Our combination of chiropractic adjustments, Shockwave Therapy, and Class 4 Laser Therapy can effectively reduce shoulder pain, especially during Stage 2, to speed up the recovery of your range of motion.
Restored Mobility: We focus on gently restoring your shoulder’s range of motion so you can comfortably resume your daily activities.
Personalized Care: Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the most effective and targeted approach.
Avoid Surgery: Our non-invasive methods help you avoid the risks and lengthy recovery associated with surgical interventions.
Accelerated Recovery: Our integrated chiropractic approach is designed to help you recover more quickly and get back to your normal life.
Frozen Shoulder FAQs
What does frozen shoulder feel like? It begins with a dull ache, progressing to sharp pain and severe stiffness.
How does frozen shoulder happen? It occurs when the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed and thickens and tightens leading to adhesions within the joint capsule, resulting in pain and limited movement.
Why does frozen shoulder happen? While there's no single known cause for frozen shoulder, we do know that it's more common in certain situations, such as when your shoulder has been still for a long time (ex. after shoulder surgery), and in people with diabetes or who are older.
Will frozen shoulder go away on its own? Frozen shoulder eventually resolves on its own, its a long process between 1-4 years. However, its possible that you may not recover your full, original range of motion in the shoulder.
Can frozen shoulder come back? While rare, it's possible.
When does frozen shoulder require surgery? Surgery for frozen shoulder is not common, and typically only considered if non-surgical treatments haven't been successful in restoring movement and reducing pain.
Which type of doctor should I see for frozen shoulder? Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, Orthopedist
A chiropractor specializing in musculoskeletal conditions, such as the best chiropractors at Mahoney Chiropractic Group.
Where does frozen shoulder hurt? Primarily in the shoulder joint.
Can frozen shoulder cause neck pain? Yes, frozen shoulder can often lead to neck pain. This happens because when your shoulder is stiff and difficult to move, you start compensating by moving your neck and upper back in unusual ways to try and perform daily tasks. These altered movements can strain the muscles and joints in your neck, resulting in pain.
Which stage of frozen shoulder is most painful? The "freezing" stage (1st phase) is the most painful stage of frozen shoulder.
Regain Your Mobility Today
Ready to reclaim your shoulder mobility? If you're experiencing the pain and stiffness of what you suspect might be frozen shoulder, take the first step towards relief. Book a consultation with us today. We'll conduct a thorough initial evaluation. If we determine you have frozen shoulder or other related issues, we'll clearly explain your treatment options and how we can help. If our approach isn't the right fit for your condition, we'll gladly guide you to the appropriate specialist. Click here to schedule your consultation at Mahoney Chiropractic Group in Colchester, VT.