What is Frozen Shoulder Pain Like?

People often do their research into their health concerns before consulting with a medical professional. Doing this can provide some useful insights, but only as long as people combine their own research with a conversation with a reputable expert, and only in addition to seeking medical help afterwards. 

The trouble is, not every medical expert has the most current information or techniques. For this reason, both professionals and lay researchers must be careful when they think about diagnosing frozen shoulder, especially since it’s a condition that is hard to recognize in its first stage. 

In fact, frozen shoulder doesn’t have any unique symptoms until its second stage. For example, it’s possible that a patient may have simply strained a muscle, which can heal within a week with the proper application of hot and cold packs. 

Alternatively, a patient may have experienced a rotator cuff tear. While painful, it’s simply not comparable to the long-term pain and restricted range of motion that accompanies frozen shoulder. The treatment for both injuries is also different. 

Because everyone can experience frozen shoulder in a slightly different way, the best advice we can give is to reach out to the professionals at the World Frozen Shoulder Clinic. 

Frozen Shoulder Pain

The pain caused by a frozen shoulder will vary from person to person, and will vary based on what stage the shoulder is in. Frozen shoulder syndrome has three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Pain can range from a dull ache to severe pain felt with every shoulder movement. 

Freezing Stage

During the first two and nine months of this stage, pain worsens and stiffness increases. The shoulder’s range of motion is minimally affected.

Frozen Stage

Between four months and a year, the general consensus is that pain is not as severe as that experienced during the freezing stage. However, there is some pain when the shoulder joint and upper arm are moved.

Thawing Stage

It will usually take about six months or up to two years for the frozen shoulder to thaw. As it thaws and some range of motion is possible, there is still some pain present. This will increase while doing exercises for physical therapy.

Frozen shoulder symptoms make everyday activities difficult, including washing your hair and picking items up, so we recommend contacting us as soon as you experience shoulder problems.

How Frozen Shoulder Occurs in the Shoulder Joint 

Keep in mind that the shoulder joint capsule is part of a ball-and-socket joint. Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, occurs when adhesions form and become inflamed in the shoulder capsule. 

The shoulder capsule is strong connective tissue that can thicken and prevent a full range of motion because it stops “synovial” fluid from lubricating the region. Another consequence is that the rounded head of the humerus, called the upper arm bone, is pulled further into its socket, thereby changing the length of the arm.

While you will find a lot of different opinions about the causes of frozen shoulder, the specialists at World Frozen Shoulder believe that the condition can be caused by one of the following:

• Lower Neck Disc Conditions
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Shoulder Injury

If you have shoulder pain, consult with us to ensure that your shoulder doesn’t get worse. You shouldn’t have to suffer through pain and stiffness when there is a cure.

Should You See a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy can help to manage the symptoms of a painful shoulder, but in the case of frozen shoulder, you should go for physical therapy only after you have had a manual capsular dissection (MCD) procedure. Physical therapy is best for the recovery and rehabilitation of the shoulder joint capsule.

Speak with a World Frozen Shoulder specialist for professional medical advice on how to treat your shoulder condition.

Improve Your Range of Motion with the MCD Procedure

We will review your symptoms, injuries, and medical history, as well as assess the active range and passive range of your affected arm to determine your condition. It’s common for people with diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, thyroid, and other health issues to develop frozen shoulder because they have an increased risk.

But our MCD procedure is the best cure for this shoulder condition. Contact us to make an appointment!

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic