Shoulder Pain /Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder injuries are quite common and can also be linked to neck pain. The shoulder is quite a mobile joint and quite a few issues can arise. The more well-known shoulder conditions are frozen shoulder, rotator cuff issues, shoulder impingement and wear and tear. Shoulder pain can also refer into the arm and hands, manifesting symptoms such as pins and needles, burning, shooting pain. Causes of shoulder pain can include repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries and muscular tightness.

Frozen shoulder affects 1 in 50 adults at one point in life, those aged between 40 and 60 and more common in women. Frozen shoulder can usually begin as a tear or impingement of the rotator cuff tendon. A protective mechanism of the body can cause for the shoulder to ‘freeze up’, reducing mobility which can become stiff and painful. A scar like tissue forms in the shoulder capsule. The shoulder joint is a very mobile joint so is not very stable. The rotator cuff muscles are vulnerable to stress and injury.

If a frozen shoulder is neglected, it can take 18 months to diminish and up to 3 years for symptoms to eradicate. Usually a few months into having a frozen shoulder, the pain reduces however the range of motion will become limited and worsen over time.

Symptoms usually start with reduced movement, pain on movement and stiffness which progressively builds up. Frozen shoulder can hugely affect daily tasks such as dressing, driving, sleeping or even placing your hand in a rear pocket. These can all become quite impossible for sufferers. Pain is usually worse at night and most sufferers are unable to lie onto the affected side.

We will help to reduce the length of time and symptoms you suffer from a frozen shoulder. Combining treatments and expert clinical advice to guide you through your shoulder pain.