Putting on a coat should not need a plan. But when your shoulder becomes painful and stiff, you may find yourself feeding one sleeve on first, avoiding a high cupboard or waking whenever you roll onto that side. Frozen shoulder is one possible explanation. An assessment helps establish whether it fits your symptoms.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, affects the capsule around the shoulder joint. The capsule becomes thick and tight, limiting movement. It can develop without an obvious injury. Diabetes, thyroid conditions and a period of reduced shoulder movement after an injury or operation are associated with it.
During an examination, a clinician compares how far you can move your arm yourself with how far it moves when gently assisted. Both are typically restricted with frozen shoulder. Pain alone does not establish the diagnosis; other shoulder problems can also make reaching difficult. AAOS explains the examination and possible causes.
Does stiffness mean I should stretch harder?
A painful shoulder does not need a contest of willpower. The NHS recommends gentle movement and advises against inventing strenuous exercises. Physiotherapy can help you work on movement with exercises suited to how painful and stiff the shoulder currently is. Ask what level of discomfort is acceptable and what should prompt a change to the plan. Read the NHS frozen shoulder guidance.
Be specific about what you want help with. “I cannot fasten my bra” or “I wake up when I turn over” gives a clearer starting point than “my shoulder is bad.” Bring those examples to your appointment, along with any exercises you have already tried.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Recovery can take months and sometimes years. That uncertainty is frustrating, especially when everyday tasks are affected. The NHS describes pain relief and gradually restoring movement as parts of treatment. If pain remains difficult to manage, talk with your healthcare professional about the next step rather than repeatedly forcing the same exercises. NHS treatment overview.
When shoulder pain needs urgent attention
Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe shoulder pain, an inability to move the arm, a change in the shoulder’s shape, marked swelling, persistent numbness, or feeling feverish and unwell. Pain after a fall or other accident also needs prompt assessment. These symptoms should not be assumed to be frozen shoulder. NHS guidance on urgent shoulder symptoms.
Getting help in St. Vital
If stiffness is interfering with dressing, reaching or sleep, you can book a shoulder assessment at Pro Motion Physiotherapy in Winnipeg. Bring a short timeline of when the problem started, whether it is changing, and the two or three activities you most want to get back to.
Read about our shoulder physiotherapy service, or book an appointment. If reaching overhead is your main concern, our overhead shoulder pain guide covers what to discuss at an assessment.