Frozen shoulder is a reasonably common condition and occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and contracts, losing the usual range of movement.
This usually starts in just one shoulder, but it can then go on to effect the other 1-3 years later. The average duration from initial symptoms to complete recovery is 12-18 months, although this can be reduced with appropriate remedial massage.
CAUSES:
Physical or emotional trauma
Follows from long periods of immobility due to injury or fracture for instance.
Idiopathic with no obvious or direct cause.
Linked to falling oestrogen levels in women over 40
COMMON FACTORS:
Most common in women over 40
Usually one shoulder is affected
It is reported in 10-36% of diabetics and insulin dependent diabetes has a higher risk.
FROZEN SHOULDER TENDS TO FOLLOW A PREDICTABLE PATTERN
In the early (freezing) stage the shoulder is extremely painful and the client will often “carry” or hold the arm close to them to support, protect and limit movement of the arm. The psychological effect of fearing movement of the arm further “locks” the shoulder and arm into a fixed position. The pain is often worse at night and it is too painful to lay on. This can last between 2-9 months.
In the frozen stage, the shoulder becomes extremely stiff and the pain starts to subside. There may be some muscle atrophy due to in activity of the arm. This last approximately 4-12 months.
The thawing stage occurs at around 5-12 months and much more movement is possible, although the occasional flare up is still reported if certain activities are carried out.
There is no quick fix for frozen shoulder and it is usually recommended that weekly treatments are carried out for between 4-6 weeks with improvement in pain levels expected around week four.
Caroline Hearn MICHT. IIHHT. Dip.MLD
