Frozen
Shoulder
Expert chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment for shoulder joint capsule tightening and adhesion-related restricted movement. Non-surgical, personalized approach.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder region contains three separate bones: the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus. The structure that holds them together is called the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs as a result of damage to the shoulder joint capsule.
Inflammation, narrowing, thickening of the capsule, or decreased synovial fluid leads to restricted movement and pain in the shoulder joint. This thickening causes adhesions, movement becomes progressively harder, pain increases, and quality of life declines.
For an assessment sessionWho Gets Frozen Shoulder?
It most commonly affects people between 40 and 65 years of age. The incidence is higher in women than in men. A prior neck problem in women also contributes to this condition. Another notable factor is that most people who develop this condition are under high levels of stress.
Systemic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and Parkinson's disease also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder syndrome. Systemic conditions also affect the speed of recovery.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause is not fully known. However, certain factors are known to play a role.
Prolonged Immobility
Keeping the shoulder immobile for extended periods can predispose the joint capsule to tightening and adhesion.
Trauma and Tissue Damage
Trauma from an impact or fall and the resulting tissue damage can trigger the onset of frozen shoulder.
Muscle and Tendon Tears
Muscle-tendon injuries such as rotator cuff tears increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Calcification and Other Factors
Calcification, shoulder impingement syndrome, and inflammatory rheumatism are also among the causes that can lead to frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
Symptoms significantly impact daily life. Pain that worsens at night, sleep disturbances, and restricted daily activities are the most prominent findings.
Reduced range of motion and a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder.
Difficulty moving the arm, inability to raise or rotate it.
Difficulty performing daily tasks such as combing hair and brushing teeth.
Inability to sleep on the affected shoulder.
Pain that worsens at night to the point of waking the person from sleep.
In some cases, progressive pain that disrupts sleep patterns.
Frozen Shoulder Stages
Frozen shoulder can be examined in three distinct stages. Each stage has its own characteristic symptoms and treatment approach.
Freezing Stage
Severe shoulder pain, sleep disrupted by pain at night, and difficulty moving the shoulder joint are observed. Pain and restricted movement may progressively worsen.
Frozen Stage
Pain may decrease, but movement becomes very difficult as the shoulder stiffens. People struggle greatly with daily tasks such as combing hair, brushing teeth, and showering.
Thawing Stage
Stiffness and difficulty moving gradually decrease. Healing begins. The range of joint motion starts to improve.
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Physical examination measures both active and passive range of motion of the shoulder joint. Imaging methods are used when deemed necessary.
Physical Examination
Both active range of motion (patient's own movement) and passive range of motion (examiner-guided movement) of the shoulder are measured. The ability to raise and abduct the arm is assessed.
MRI
Used when more detailed examination of muscles and tendon structures around the shoulder is required.
Ultrasound
Real-time imaging is used to evaluate soft tissue structures and the joint area.
X-Ray
Used to visualize bony structures and joint space. Helpful in ruling out other shoulder pathologies.
Important: If shoulder pain worsens over time, is accompanied by fever, or occurred after trauma, be sure to inform your doctor. Starting physiotherapy treatment early significantly accelerates the recovery process.
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
The goal of treatment is to control pain and increase the range of joint motion. With proper assessment and treatment, a complete resolution is achieved in most cases.
Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
Manual therapy applied to the shoulder, personalized exercises, and electrotherapy to reduce pain and swelling are used. This is the most effective and preferred treatment method.
Medication & Injection
Drug therapy is applied to control pain and eliminate inflammation. Intra-articular injections are performed when needed.
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia
A procedure performed by a doctor with the patient under anaesthesia, moving the shoulder in various directions to increase range of motion. It is not frequently preferred due to various side effects.
Surgery (Last Resort)
Rarely chosen when no results are obtained from other treatments. Arthroscopic surgery releases adhesions inside the joint. Rehabilitation is always required after surgery.
What Happens If Left Untreated?
In most cases, if left untreated, pain and restriction can persist for years. Even if some spontaneous improvement occurs, residual deficit may remain — meaning a permanent and significant loss of range of motion. The condition can also recur in the other shoulder. It is always beneficial to start physiotherapy treatment at an early stage.
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+90 553 351 03 12 · Kadıköy, IstanbulMedical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.