Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, happens when the shoulder stiffens due to scar tissue. This can lead to painful movements and loss of motion at the joint.
Frozen shoulder has four stages:
- Pre-freezing:
- Freezing: This is the painful stage, due to the pain gradually increasing. This will make the shoulder harder and harder to move. Pain can be the worst at night.
- Frozen: Pain stays the same as it does in the freezing stage. The shoulder is still stiff, and movement restricted.
- Thawing: Pain is fading but does still occur. Movement is more natural and may eventually return to normal.
During these stages, you may notice a progressive worsening of pain and loss of movement over a period of several months.
Symptoms
A person with a frozen shoulder will have a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint.
Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center is here to help
Our therapists will perform an examination and evaluation to determine what stage you are currently are in and create a plan of care that best matches your needs and personal goals. These treatments can take several months. Don’t wait to seek treatment, pain and movement will only get worse. This will likely increase your treatment/recovery time.
