One of the common conditions we help with is frozen shoulder a stubborn stiffening of the joint that seems to get worse no matter what you do.
Frozen shoulder, known medically as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. As the capsule contracts, the shoulder progressively loses its range of motion — hence the name “frozen.”
It often develops after a period of shoulder immobility — following an injury, surgery, or simply a stretch of guarding a painful shoulder. It’s most common between the ages of 40 and 60, and certain conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders increase the risk. What makes frozen shoulder so frustrating is its pace: it develops slowly, and without the right care, it can linger for a very long time.
What are the symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically moves through stages. In the early “freezing” stage, the shoulder becomes increasingly painful — a deep, aching pain that’s often worse at night — while movement gradually becomes more restricted. In the “frozen” stage, the pain may ease somewhat, but stiffness dominates: reaching overhead, out to the side, or behind your back becomes severely limited or impossible. Finally, in the “thawing” stage, motion slowly begins to return.
Day to day, the restriction is what clients feel most. Washing and styling hair, reaching into a back pocket, fastening clothing, grabbing a seatbelt, reaching a shelf — movements you never used to think about become daily obstacles. Sleep suffers too, since lying on the affected side is usually out of the question.
The natural course of frozen shoulder can stretch on for one to three years — which is why so many people seek help rather than simply waiting it out.
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What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder demands patience and precision — forcing a frozen joint only aggravates it. We begin by assessing exactly where you are in the process: how much motion you have in each direction, how irritable the joint is, and how much the surrounding muscles are compensating and guarding.
Our hands-on work has two aims. First, we release the muscles around the shoulder, neck, and upper back that have become painfully tight from months of guarding and compensating — this alone brings many clients significant relief. Second, we use gentle, graded techniques to encourage the capsule and surrounding tissue to gradually give back range of motion, always working within what your shoulder can tolerate.
Between sessions, we give you safe, stage-appropriate stretches and movement guidance so you’re actively supporting the thawing process at home. The goal is to shorten the journey, ease the pain along the way, and help you return to full, confident use of your arm.
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