Frozen Shoulder 五十肩

Often uncle aunties who complain about shoulder pain would straight away say that they have frozen shoulder. Indeed, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) mostly affects individuals aged 40 or older, particularly women. 

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule which wraps around the shoulder joint thickens and there is less synovial fluid in the joint. The signs and symptoms of this condition are severe shoulder pain and painful shoulder movement either on your own or by the help of someone else.

The cause of frozen shoulder is usually unknown. However, it can be associated with immobility of the shoulder joint. Usually, individuals who have kept their shoulders still due to rotator cuff injury, fractured arm, post-operation, who suffer from stroke etc. Individuals who have diseases such as diabetes, thyroidism, cardiovascular disease or parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.

Symptoms are categorized into 3 stages. 

1) Freezing stage: Any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and the range of motion becomes limited. Lasts from 2-9 months.

2) Frozen stage: Pain may reduce at this stage, but the shoulder becomes even more stiffer, worsening range of motion. Lasts from 4-12 months.

3) Thawing stage: The shoulder’s range of motion improves. Lasts 5-24 months.

Physiotherapy can help to manage shoulder pain, improve range of motion and strength. Here are the 3 best stretching/ mobility exercises to do when you have a frozen shoulder at the early stages.

2. Pretend your fingers as your feet and walk up the wall as high as possible up to within your pain tolerance. This will improve the movement of your arm to reach for tall objects.