Introduction

Frozen shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful condition that affects the shoulder joint. It leads to stiffness, inflammation, decreased range of motion, and chronic pain, making simple daily activities very difficult.

The condition usually develops slowly and progressively, often worsening over months. Without proper treatment, it may take months to years to fully recover.

One of the biggest challenges in frozen shoulder is that movement of the shoulder becomes extremely limited. Patients often struggle with routine tasks such as keeping a wallet in the back pocket, combing hair, wearing clothes, or reaching overhead.

In short, frozen shoulder is not just about pain—it significantly impacts mobility, independence, and quality of life if not managed in time.

The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper treatment, frozen shoulder can be significantly improved — often without the need for surgery.

At our Spine Chiropractic & Osteopathic Clinic, we treat frozen shoulder successfully through a combination of chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and manual therapy techniques, focusing on restoring movement and reducing pain naturally.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Patients with frozen shoulder usually experience:

• Gradual Onset of Pain – Pain starts slowly and worsens over time, especially during arm movement.
• Shoulder Stiffness – Difficulty in raising the arm overhead or moving it behind the back.
• Restricted Range of Motion – Both active (self-movement) and passive (when someone else moves the arm) movements are limited.
• Pain at Night – Shoulder pain often disturbs sleep and makes it hard to rest comfortably.
• Difficulty in Daily Activities – Simple tasks like combing hair, dressing, or reaching a shelf become challenging.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can develop due to multiple factors:

1. Shoulder Injury – Falls, accidents, or sudden jerks can cause stiffness that progresses into frozen shoulder.
2. Prolonged Immobilization – Keeping the shoulder still for long periods (fracture, surgery, or bed rest) leads to restricted movement.
3. Diabetes – Diabetic patients are 2–4 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
4. Thyroid Disorders – Hypothyroidism increases the risk.
5. Post-Surgical Effects – Lack of proper shoulder movement after heart, chest, or other surgeries may trigger frozen shoulder.
6. Autoimmune Reaction – The body’s immune system may mistakenly attack the shoulder capsule, causing inflammation and stiffness.
7. Age Factor – Most common in people between 40–60 years of age.
8. Gender – Women are more prone than men to develop frozen shoulder.