Frozen shoulder—also known as adhesive capsulitis—is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and reduced motion in the shoulder joint. It tends to develop gradually, but if left untreated, can interfere with daily function and last for months—or even years.
At Tri Rehab, we help individuals in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan manage and recover from frozen shoulder through personalized physical therapy. In this article, we’ll explore the condition’s causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options to help you understand what to expect—and how to heal.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes inflamed and thickened. As this tissue tightens, it restricts movement and leads to pain and stiffness. The exact cause isn’t always known, but it’s more common in people who have recently experienced shoulder immobility.
Physicians often observe this condition in patients recovering from injury or surgery, especially if the arm has been immobilized for a prolonged period of time.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing frozen shoulder, including:
Being over the age of 40 (especially women)
Prolonged shoulder immobility due to stroke, rotator cuff injury, fracture, or surgery
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, or Parkinson’s disease
What Are the Symptoms?
Frozen shoulder generally develops slowly in three stages, each lasting several months:
Freezing Stage: Pain increases and movement becomes limited. Sleep may be difficult due to shoulder discomfort.
Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness increases. Movement becomes more restricted.
Thawing Stage: Range of motion begins to improve and pain decreases gradually.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a detailed medical history, and possibly imaging tests like x-rays or an MRI. Your physician will assess your shoulder’s range of motion and look for signs of inflammation or structural issues.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Initial treatment may include:
Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
Physical therapy, including supervised exercises to restore motion and strengthen surrounding muscles
At-home exercises (e.g., wand or table stretches) to support progress between therapy sessions
Cold therapy—using ice packs on the shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily
In more severe cases, if conservative treatment isn’t effective, your physician may recommend manipulation under anesthesia. During this procedure, the shoulder is gently moved to break up adhesions, followed by continued therapy to maintain motion.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies. Factors like age, overall health, and how long the condition has been present can influence the timeline. Mild cases may resolve within months, while others may take a year or longer. Starting treatment early typically leads to faster results.
When Can I Return to My Normal Activities?
Everyone heals at a different pace. Your return to daily tasks will depend on how much mobility and strength you’ve regained. At Tri Rehab, our goal is to help you restore function and get back to your routine as safely and efficiently as possible.
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?
Yes—especially if you’ve had a recent injury or surgery. The key is to avoid keeping your shoulder immobile for too long. Follow your rehabilitation exercises exactly as prescribed and notify your provider if you notice reduced mobility. Early movement and guided therapy can help prevent frozen shoulder from developing or worsening.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder or are recovering from a shoulder injury, Tri Rehab can help. Our experienced therapists offer personalized treatment plans to support your recovery and improve quality of life.
Visit www.trirehab.com to learn more about how we help patients in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan overcome frozen shoulder and regain mobility.
Content provided by Tri Rehab, Inc. | Source: Mayo Clinic Frozen Shoulder article, June 20, 2018
