Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

The diagnosis of frozen shoulder typically begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Our specialists will examine your shoulder and assess your range of motion and strength. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI scan, to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

Once we have made a diagnosis of frozen shoulder, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Treatment options may include:

• Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a stronger prescription medication may be needed
• Steroid injections: A corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint can help to reduce inflammation and pain
• Surgery: In rare cases, you may need surgery to remove scar tissue or loosen the capsule around the shoulder joint

How can Circle Health Group help?

At Circle Health Group, our specialists have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder. We understand that this condition can have a significant impact on your quality of life, and we are dedicated to helping you ease your symptoms and improve your mobility. We provide private frozen shoulder treatment to ensure that you receive the personalised care and attention that you need.

Our consultants will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. We will continuously monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you are receiving the most effective treatment.

It is important to note that recovery from frozen shoulder can take time, and it may take several months before you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. However, with the right treatment and consistent follow-up, most people are able to regain a significant amount of movement and function in their shoulder.

The symptoms of frozen shoulder can develop gradually and may worsen over time. Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, weakness, a dull ache, a significant reduction in the range of motion in the shoulder, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.

The most common symptoms include:

Pain

Pain in the shoulder is often the first symptom of frozen shoulder. The pain can be dull or aching and may be felt in your shoulder, arm, or neck.

Stiffness

As the condition progresses, your shoulder may become stiff and difficult to move. You may find it difficult to reach overhead or behind your back, or to put on a shirt or coat.

Limited range of motion

The stiffness and pain associated with frozen shoulder can make it difficult to move your arm through its full range of motion. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reaching for something in a cupboard.

Weakness

Your shoulder may feel weak, and you may have difficulty lifting or carrying objects.

A dull ache

Some people may experience a dull ache or discomfort in the affected shoulder, even when they are not moving it.

Difficulty sleeping

Pain and stiffness may make it difficult to sleep on the affected side.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder can vary in intensity and may improve or worsen depending on the stage of the condition. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and may come and go. As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more severe, and your shoulder may become increasingly stiff and painful.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. The specialists at Circle Health Group can help to properly diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms.

Don't let frozen shoulder hold you back from living your best life. Contact Circle Health Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free and mobile life.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but there are several factors that have been linked to its development. In this section, we will explore the most common causes of frozen shoulder, including injury, surgery, and underlying medical conditions.

Injury

Injuries to the shoulder, such as a rotator cuff tear or a dislocated shoulder, can lead to inflammation and scarring within the shoulder capsule. This can cause the capsule to become thickened and stiff, restricting the movement of the joint and leading to frozen shoulder.

Surgery

After surgery, shoulder immobility is often necessary to promote healing, but in some cases this can cause the shoulder to become stiff and painful. Frozen shoulder may develop as a complication after shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair or total shoulder replacement.

Underlying medical conditions

Certain underlying medical conditions are also linked to an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. These include diabetes, thyroid disorders, and certain cardiovascular diseases. The exact reason why these conditions increase the risk of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is believed that they may cause changes within the shoulder capsule that lead to inflammation and scarring.

Other causes of frozen shoulder

• Age: Frozen shoulder is more common in people over the age of 40, so age can also be a risk factor
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men
• Immobilization: People who have a shoulder immobilized for a prolonged period of time, such as following a fracture or surgery, have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder
• Parkinson's disease: People with Parkinson's disease have an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder

In summary, frozen shoulder can have multiple causes, and in many cases, the exact cause is not known. However, understanding the potential causes of frozen shoulder can help in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. At Circle Health Group, our specialists are well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder and can provide you with personalized care and attention.

The goal of treatment for frozen shoulder is to reduce pain and improve range of motion. There are different treatment options available for frozen shoulder, including non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatment options for frozen shoulder include:

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist will work with you to develop an exercise programme tailored to your specific needs. This may include a range of motion exercises, stretches and strengthening exercises to help improve your flexibility, strength, and function. Your therapist may also use modalities such as ultrasound, TENS, or heat/cold therapy to help manage pain and improve your range of motion.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes, a stronger prescription medication may be needed. Your doctor may also recommend a local anaesthetic or corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections, such as corticosteroids, can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder. These injections can be given directly into the shoulder joint or into the soft tissue around the shoulder. Steroid injections can provide significant relief from symptoms; however, the effects are usually temporary and may need to be repeated.

Exercises for frozen shoulder

Exercises can be an effective way to improve the range of motion and reduce pain in people with frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder. These exercises are usually done in a step-by-step progression and will be gradually increased in intensity and complexity as the shoulder improves.

Complementary therapies

Other therapies, such as acupuncture or massage, may also be beneficial in managing pain, reducing inflammation and improving range of motion. Consult with your doctor before trying any other alternative treatment options.

In rare cases, you may need surgery to remove scar tissue or loosen the capsule around the shoulder joint. We typically consider surgery for a frozen shoulder when non-surgical treatments have not provided significant improvement in symptoms. Types of shoulder surgery that might help correct a frozen shoulder include:

Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA)

Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) is a procedure that is performed under general anaesthesia, where the shoulder joint is manipulated to help improve the range of motion. We may use this procedure when the shoulder is severely stiff and has not responded to other treatments. We usually do the procedure on an outpatient basis and recovery may take several weeks.

Shoulder arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical procedure that uses a small camera to view the inside of the shoulder joint. The surgeon can then use small instruments to remove any scar tissue or adhesions that are causing the restriction in motion. We may do this procedure under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia and it has a relatively short recovery time.

It is important to note that recovery from a frozen shoulder can take time, and it may take several months before you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. However, with the right treatment and consistent follow-up, most people are able to regain a significant amount of movement and function in their shoulder.

At Circle Health Group, our specialists are well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder and can provide you with personalized care and attention. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the different treatment options available for frozen shoulder, including how to cure frozen shoulder quickly.

At Circle Health Group, we understand that a diagnosis of frozen shoulder can be worrying, and the thought of seeking treatment can be daunting. That's why we strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, starting with your initial consultation.

In this section, we will cover what you can expect during your first visit with us, including how we make a diagnosis, what tests or scans may be necessary, why your first consultation is so important, how we decide on the best treatment plan for you, and how you can know if you have frozen shoulder.

How we make a diagnosis

When you come in for your initial consultation, we will take a thorough history of your symptoms, including when they began, their severity, and what makes them worse or better. We will also perform a physical examination of your shoulder, assessing your range of motion, strength, and any areas of tenderness or pain. Based on your history and examination, we may be able to confidently diagnose frozen shoulder. However, in some cases, further testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Deciding whether you need tests or scans

In some cases, additional tests or scans may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of frozen shoulder. These may include X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound. These tests can help to rule out other conditions, such as a rotator cuff tear, and can provide more detailed information about the condition of your shoulder.

Why your first consultation so important

Your first consultation is critical in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder. During this visit, we will work with you to understand your symptoms and perform a thorough examination of your shoulder. This information will be used to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. The earlier that we can diagnose and start treating your frozen shoulder, the more effective the treatment will be in terms of reducing pain, improving your range of motion, and helping you return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

How we decide what treatment is best for you

Based on the information gathered during your initial consultation, our specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This will take into account your symptoms, medical history, and overall health and wellness goals. The treatment plan may include a combination of non-surgical and surgical options, such as physiotherapy, medication, steroid injections, and manipulation under anaesthesia. Our specialists will also continuously monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure that you are receiving the best care possible.

If you have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder, you may have many questions about your condition, its treatment, and how to manage your symptoms. In this FAQ section, we will answer some of the most common questions about frozen shoulder.

How to cure frozen shoulder quickly

Many people want to know if there is a way to cure frozen shoulder quickly. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The recovery time for frozen shoulder can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific treatment plan that is used.

Physiotherapy and range of motion exercises are often considered first-line treatments for frozen shoulder and can help to improve range of motion and reduce pain over time.

Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Steroid injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation, but the effects are usually temporary and may need to be repeated.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or loosen the capsule around the shoulder joint.

However, treatment choices depend on your condition and the cause of the frozen shoulder, so the best course of action is to consult with our specialists to create a personalised treatment plan.

How to sleep with a frozen shoulder?

Sleeping with a frozen shoulder can be challenging, as the pain and stiffness can make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

A supportive pillow or foam wedge can elevate the shoulder and keep it in a neutral position while sleeping.

You can also try sleeping on the unaffected shoulder or placing a small pillow between your arm and body to help keep the shoulder in a comfortable position.

It may also be helpful to use a heating pad before going to bed to help relax the shoulder muscles and reduce pain.

What is frozen shoulder pain like?

Frozen shoulder pain can vary from person to person, but it is typically described as a dull or achy pain that is concentrated in the shoulder and may radiate down the arm.

Pain may be worse with movement and can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as dressing, reaching overhead, or brushing your hair.

The shoulder may also feel stiff and have a limited range of motion.

What are the Do's and Dont's for frozen shoulder?

• DO engage in physiotherapy and exercises as prescribed by a physiotherapist or your doctor to improve your range of motion and strengthen the shoulder
• DO use heat or cold therapy to manage pain as recommended by your doctor
• DO take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
• DON'T engage in activities that cause pain or discomfort, such as lifting heavy objects or taking part in contact sports
• DON'T ignore your symptoms or put off seeking treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of recovery

What is the best treatment for frozen shoulder?

The best treatment for a frozen shoulder will depend on the specific case, but we often consider physiotherapy and range of motion exercises first-line treatments.

Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Steroid injections and manipulation under anaesthesia may be used for more severe cases.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or loosen the capsule around the shoulder joint.

Can you drive with a frozen shoulder?

It depends on the severity of the frozen shoulder and your ability to control the vehicle safely. If you are experiencing significant pain and decreased range of motion in the shoulder, it may be difficult to drive safely.

It's best to check with your consultant or physiotherapist for guidance on whether it is safe for you to drive with your particular symptoms. Sometimes, modifications to the vehicle, such as special mirror adjustment or specially designed steering wheel knobs, could make it easier to drive with a frozen shoulder.

If your consultant or physiotherapist says it's safe to drive, be sure to take any prescribed medication before driving and make any necessary adjustments to your vehicle to help ensure your safety while driving. You should also speak to your insurance company to make sure you are covered.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to suit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant fit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your specific requirements
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private cosy ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about treatment for frozen shoulder, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2023. Next review due January 2026.

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