Understanding and Managing Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Your Path to Recovery with Neurohealth Wellness

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that can significantly disrupt your daily life. With hallmark symptoms of pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, it can make simple tasks feel impossible. At Neurohealth Wellness, located in the heart of the Northern Beaches of Sydney, we understand the challenges frozen shoulder presents and are here to guide you toward effective management and recovery.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and contracts, leading to pain and restricted movement. This capsule, typically loose and flexible, tightens in cases of frozen shoulder, resulting in decreased range of motion.

The condition progresses through three stages:

1. Painful Stage: Characterised by inflammation and significant pain, often worsening at night.
2. Freezing Stage: Pain subsides, but stiffness intensifies as the capsule tightens.
3. Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in range of motion and reduction in symptoms.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

• Stage 1 (Painful Stage): Persistent pain, especially during the night, limiting sleep quality and daily activities.
• Stage 2 (Freezing Stage): Reduced pain but increased stiffness, making it challenging to lift the arm, rotate it outward, or reach behind the back.
• Stage 3 (Thawing Stage): Gradual recovery of movement and decrease in discomfort.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The precise cause remains unclear, but certain factors may increase the risk:

• Genetic Predisposition: Conditions like hereditary high cholesterol.
• Injury or Surgery: Recent shoulder trauma, surgeries, or prolonged immobilisation.
• Metabolic and Hormonal Factors: Diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or hormonal changes.
• Immune Responses: Post-viral illnesses or vaccinations.

Frozen shoulder can develop without identifiable risk factors (idiopathic) or be linked to specific triggers (secondary).

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

Early diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. A hallmark sign of frozen shoulder is the progressive loss of shoulder mobility. While no specific imaging confirms frozen shoulder, X-rays may be used to exclude other causes of stiffness.

At Neurohealth Wellness, our experienced chiropractors use advanced assessment techniques to identify frozen shoulder early and tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.

Managing Frozen Shoulder at Neurohealth Wellness

Stage-Specific Exercise Therapy

Exercise is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder recovery. At Neurohealth Wellness, we design stage-specific programs to support your healing:

• Stage 1: Gentle pain-free movements to maintain mobility without increasing inflammation.
• Stage 2 & 3: Progressive stretching and strengthening exercises to restore function and range of motion.

Adjunct Therapies

Our chiropractors integrate manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and dry needling (if suitable) to enhance your recovery and reduce discomfort. We also educate you on self-management strategies, ensuring consistency and long-term success.

Pro Tip: Follow the “strain, not pain” mantra. Overdoing exercises can prolong recovery. If pain increases, rest for a few days and restart gently.

Why Choose Neurohealth Wellness?

At Neurohealth Wellness, we take a holistic approach to care. Our chiropractors, are highly experienced practitioners, combine evidence-based techniques with personalised treatment plans. We focus on rebalancing your body to help you live pain-free, regain mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life.

With convenient access on the Northern Beaches, state-of-the-art facilities, and a compassionate team, we are the go-to destination for managing frozen shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions.

What to Expect

Frozen shoulder can resolve naturally, but recovery takes time, often spanning 1–4 years, with an average of 2.5 years. Seeking early intervention at Neurohealth Wellness can accelerate improvement, minimise complications, and provide relief from symptoms.

While frozen shoulder rarely recurs in the same shoulder, up to 20% of individuals may develop it in the opposite shoulder within five years. With our preventive strategies, we aim to reduce this risk.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If frozen shoulder is affecting your life, don’t let it hold you back any longer. At Neurohealth Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you overcome pain, restore movement, and reclaim your daily activities.

📍 Visit us at 33–35 Kentwell Rd, Allambie Heights
📞 Call us at (02) 9905 9099
📧 Email us at neurohealth@icloud.com
🌐 Book online: www.neurohealthwellness.com.au/booking

Let Neurohealth Wellness guide you to a pain-free, mobile future.

Internal Resources

For more on shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal conditions, check out our blog on chiropractic care for joint health.

References:

1. Neviaser RJ. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987.
2. Hand C, Clipsham K, Rees JL, et al. Long-term outcome of frozen shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2008.
3. Physitrack resources on adhesive capsulitis (2023).
4. Reeves B. The natural history of the frozen shoulder syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol. 1975.
5. Hanchard NC, Goodchild L, Thompson J. Evidence-based management of frozen shoulder. Physiotherapy. 2011.

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