Frozen shoulder

A Frozen shoulder characterizes itself by restriction of movement of the shoulder. This restriction would need to be present for some time. Overhand movements, turn movements in the shoulder and shoulder movement behind the back are limited if you suffer from a  Frozen shoulder.

who is at risk?

• relatively more females than males
• It usually starts in between your forties and fifty-sixth.
• Around 10 a 20% of patients are diabetic
• Other factors that could lead to a Frozen shoulder: A period of forced immobility, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, clinical depression and Parkinson’s disease.

Causes of a Frozen shoulder:
A frozen shoulder can be caused by different things. Sometimes the reason is not clear. But what is clear, is that there is an inflammation in the capsule. This inflammation leads to restriction of the mobility. When a shoulder can not be moved for a longer period of time (Which often occurs with a broken arm or operation) there is a higher risk for a frozen shoulder. ⅓ of the time, someone has a Frozen shoulder in both shoulders.

There are three phases of a Frozen shoulder:

1. Freezing:
   The mobility deteriorates while the pain increases

2. Frozen:
   The pain decreases but the mobility does not increase

3. Thawing
   Slowly, the mobility increases

Physiotherapy and a Frozen shoulder:
It is a fact that recovery of a Frozen shoulder takes time. First of all, a physiotherapist can prevent a Frozen shoulder when you get a arm fracture. Furthermore, a physiotherapist can try and speed up the recovery process. This will be done by joint mobilizations, loosing up of the muscles and by doing exercises.