Frozen Shoulder

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (aka adhesive capsulitis) is a chronic condition where the arm is unable to move past a certain point at the shoulder. Adhesive capsulitis refers to a stuck shoulder joint capsule. The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is caused by thickening of the shoulder capsule. Injury and lack of motion causes Irritation, inflammation, and swelling, which eventually develops into scarring. The scar formations are known as adhesion and as more and more scarring is created, the shoulder becomes harder and harder to move. Some factors that can contribute to frozen shoulders are:

  • Shoulder injury

  • Surgery

  • Lack of movement

  • Old age

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

As stated in the name, frozen shoulder is characterized by a decreased range-of-motion of the shoulder.

  • Decreased range-of-motion begins gradually

  • Pain at the shoulder joint

  • Pain can worsen at night

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Frozen shoulder is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing.

  • Decreased passive range-of-motion especially in shoulder flexion and abduction.

What are the Treatment Options?

At Ngan Chiropractic, we specialize in treating frozen shoulder. Depending on the stage of the condition, it can be treated in a few sessions to multiple sessions. The goal is to break up the adhesion. Some treatment options we provide are:

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • Cupping

  • E-stim

  • Ultrasound

  • Rehabilitative exercises and stretches

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery if severe.

References

  1. Challoumas D, Biddle M, McLean M, Millar NL. Comparison of Treatments for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(12):e2029581. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.29581

  2. Lyne, S.A., Goldblatt, F.M. & Shanahan, E.M. Living with a frozen shoulder – a phenomenological inquiry. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 23, 318 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05251-7

  3. Mezian K, Coffey R, Chang KV. Frozen Shoulder. [Updated 2022 Aug 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482162/

  4. Murphy FX, Hall MW, D'Amico L, Jensen AM. Chiropractic management of frozen shoulder syndrome using a novel technique: a retrospective case series of 50 patients. J Chiropr Med. 2012 Dec;11(4):267-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2012.07.001. PMID: 23843759; PMCID: PMC3706702.

  5. Uppal HS, Evans JP, Smith C. Frozen shoulder: A systematic review of therapeutic options. World J Orthop. 2015 Mar 18;6(2):263-8. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v6.i2.263. PMID: 25793166; PMCID: PMC4363808.