Could your Shoulder Pain and Stiffness be the Beginning of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a stiff shoulder that has less than 50% of
the normal range of movement. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness. Patients with frozen shoulder are unable to lift their arm over their heads, or rotate their arm forward.

Vince Smolczynski notes that shoulder injuries are the most common problem treated by PTs. “Nearly everyone will have some issue during his or her lifetime. Shoulder problems are insidious. Most people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late and the body begins to protect the injury by throwing down adhesive tissue resulting in Frozen Shoulder.”

We recently treated a 50-year old patient who had come into the office for a nerve conduction study for an disk injury. During the physical exam, Vince diagnosed her with Frozen Shoulder.

Her treatment was a great success. “From my first day of PT I knew I made the right decision. This practice is a breath of fresh air. They provide old-school, hands-on, personal treatment. They actually listen to your questions and answer in layman’s terms. I left every appointment feeling better – physically & mentally! Vince was instrumental in my diagnosis and treatment. I have recommended him to others.” M.D.

Recognize the 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

STAGE 1: The Freezing Phase – The patient begins to develop mild pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This stage can last from a few weeks to a few months

STAGE 2: The Frozen Phase – The stiffness remains but the pain begins to decline. This stage can last from a few months to nearly a year.

STAGE 3: The Thawing Phase -The full range of movement begins to return to the            shoulder joint. This stage can also last a few months.

If you are having shoulder pain and stiffness, don’t wait until it worsens. Come in for an evaluation and treatment before the condition gets worse. An early diagnosis could take months off of your recovery.