Frozen Shoulder
1. What is Frozen Shoulder?
2. How do you diagnose Frozen Shoulder?

During the exam, your health practitioner may test your active movement (movement without assistance) by asking you to raise and lower your arm to the front, sides and back of your body. Our practitioners may also test your passive movement (movement with assistance) by manually moving your arm and shoulder to determine your range of motion. As well, he or she may press on parts of your shoulder to see what might cause pain. Loss of both active and passive movement and a pattern of generalized (diffuse) shoulder tightness and pain are strong indicators of frozen shoulder.
3. Do I require an X-Ray to diagnose Frozen Shoulder?
4. What causes Frozen Shoulder?
5. What occurs when you have Frozen Shoulder?

The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff. The inflammation/swelling may cause bands of tissue (adhesions) to develop between your joint’s surfaces. Synovial fluid, which helps to keep your joint lubricated and moving smoothly, may decrease. As a result, pain and subsequent loss of movement may occur. In some cases, mobility may decrease so much that performing everyday activities such as combing your hair, brushing your teeth, or reaching for your wallet in your back pocket, is difficult or even impossible.
The hallmark sign of this condition is being unable to move your shoulder – either on your own or with the help of someone else. Frozen shoulder develops in three stages:
Stage 1 – Freezing
In the freezing stage, you progressively get more and more pain. As the pain worsens, you lose range of motion in your shoulder. Freezing typically lasts from 6 weeks to 9 months.
Stage 2 – Frozen
In the frozen stage, painful symptoms may actually get better during this stage, but the stiffness remains. During the 4 to 6 months of the “frozen” stage, activities of daily living (combing hair, brushing teeth, putting on clothes) may be very difficult.
Stage 3 – Thawing
Shoulder motion slowly improves during the “thawing” stage. The complete return to normal or close to normal strength and motion in the shoulder typically takes 6 months to 2 years.
6. What are my treatment options for Frozen Shoulder?
Non surgical conventional treatment options include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, oral corticosteroids, and interarticular cortisone injections. It is important to discuss over the counter and prescription medication with your family doctor or pharmacist.
7. What are my surgical treatment options for Frozen Shoulder?

8. What are my treatment options for Frozen Shoulder?
Facts about Frozen Shoulder
- Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint.
- Frozen shoulder usually affects on shoulder at a time, however, some individuals can develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder.
- The primary means of diagnosing frozen shoulder is a physical examination.
- Obtaining an X-ray or ultrasound image of your shoulder joint is a good idea, but not necessary.
- Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting condition which lasts between 12-18 months.
- Patients seeking care usually recover more quickly, thus it is important to seek treatment earlier rather than later.
For any inquires, please email us at fitforlifewellnessclinic@gmail.com