A condition where shoulder movement becomes very limited and painful. The cause is often unknown, but it may be related to an injury, surgery, or other health problem.
The shoulder becomes very stiff and it may be difficult to move. The pain may be mild or severe. People first notice frozen shoulder when they have difficulty completing day to day movements such as reaching over head or reaching behind the back.
Frozen shoulder is typically characterised by limitation of range of motion (ROM) in all directions once established.
Symptoms:
In the early stages, it is usually external rotation that is affected first due to thickening of the coracohumeral ligament.
You may notice trouble reaching for objects on shelves above shoulder height (flexion)
You may start to struggle to reach into your back pocket (extension)
You may start to struggle to push open a sliding door (abduction)
Treatment:
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for frozen shoulder. Treatment may include ice, physical therapy, and medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Frozen frozen shoulder treatment usually includes pain management and mobility work to maintain and improve range of motion.
Many Reflex Health users have frozen shoulder and use the app to monitor their range of motion and track pain throughout recovery.