Written by It typically develops gradually and can make everyday activities—like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even sleeping—painful and challenging. The condition usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders. Physiotherapy Grande Prairie At Junction Point Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive physiotherapy treatments to help individuals manage frozen shoulders and regain full mobility and function.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule (the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint) becomes inflamed and thickens, causing pain and stiffness. The condition typically develops in three stages:
Freezing Stage – Pain begins to increase, and shoulder mobility becomes more limited.
Frozen Stage – Pain may decrease, but stiffness worsens, and the shoulder becomes increasingly immobile.
Thawing Stage – Gradual improvement in range of motion and function occurs, though recovery may take months.
- Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder joint, particularly when moving the arm.
- Limited range of motion and difficulty reaching, lifting, or rotating the arm.
- Stiffness that worsens over time.
- Pain that may radiate down the arm.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. A personalized treatment plan can help reduce pain, improve shoulder mobility, and restore function. At Junction Point Physical Therapy, our physiotherapists utilize a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and modalities to address the condition.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilizations: Specific techniques used to gently move the shoulder joint, helping to restore motion and reduce stiffness.
Soft tissue mobilization: Helps release muscle tightness and reduce pain associated with restricted shoulder movement.
Stretching and Range-of-Motion Exercises
Gradual range-of-motion exercises are critical in the freezing and frozen stages to maintain shoulder flexibility and prevent further loss of motion.
Stretching exercises target the shoulder muscles and joint capsule to restore movement and reduce tightness.
Strengthening Exercises
Once pain and stiffness improve, strengthening exercises help rebuild muscle strength around the shoulder, ensuring proper support and function.
Focus is placed on rotator cuff muscles, which help stabilize the shoulder joint and prevent further injury.
Pain Management
Cold and heat therapy: Cold packs reduce inflammation, while heat therapy helps relax muscles and improve circulation.
Electrical stimulation (TENS): This modality can help reduce pain and promote healing by stimulating the nerves and muscles.
Posture and Functional Training
Addressing postural imbalances and teaching proper body mechanics can reduce strain on the shoulder joint and promote recovery.
Functional training helps you return to activities such as lifting, reaching, and daily movements without causing further injury.
Timeline for Recovery
The recovery timeline for frozen shoulder varies from person to person, but it often takes months or even up to two years for full recovery. However, with the right physiotherapy intervention, many individuals begin to see improvements in the first 6–12 weeks. Early intervention is key to preventing the condition from worsening and promoting faster recovery.
Preventing Frozen Shoulder Recurrence
Regular shoulder exercises to maintain mobility and strength.
Proper posture and body mechanics to reduce unnecessary strain on the shoulder.
Gradual return to activity and avoidance of overuse or sudden movements that can trigger pain.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulders can be a challenging and frustrating condition, but with effective physiotherapy treatment, recovery is possible. At Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, our personalized rehabilitation programs focus on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and strengthening the shoulder to help you regain function and return to your daily activities. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, contact us today to schedule an assessment and start your journey to recovery!
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