At our chiropractic clinics, we often see the term “frozen shoulder” used incorrectly. Many people use it to describe any long-lasting shoulder pain and stiffness.
Shoulder problems can be complex, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. The success of any treatment depends on correct diagnosis and good teamwork between patient and practitioner.
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Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where arm movement at the shoulder joint is greatly reduced. This happens when the joint capsule (the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder) becomes inflamed, thickened, and shortened. These tissues may “stick” together, causing severe pain during even small movements.
1. Freezing Phase
Movement becomes increasingly restricted.
May follow minor trauma, dislocation, long periods without moving the shoulder, a heart attack, or neck problems.
Pain is common when you try to move beyond the restricted range.
Lasts 2–9 months.
2. Frozen Phase
Shoulder movement is severely restricted.
Pain may increase as joint fluid thickens.
Lasts 4–12 months.
3. Thawing Phase
Pain gradually decreases as inflammation subsides.
Movement slowly returns, but may not fully recover if untreated.
Lasts 6–9 months.
With treatment, recovery may take up to 6 months. Without treatment, it can take 12–24 months.
Many shoulder issues are mistakenly called frozen shoulder. For example:
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Tear – Inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor). Pain and weakness occur, but a chiropractor can still move your shoulder through most of its range.
Bursitis – Inflammation of the shoulder bursa (a fluid-filled sac under the deltoid muscle). Causes pain, mild swelling, and limited movement.
Referred Pain from the Neck – Neck joint irritation can trigger shoulder muscle spasms, weakness, and stiffness.
Other Causes – Arthritis, fractures, gallbladder issues, and heart problems can also cause shoulder pain.
Chiropractic treatment can:
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve joint mobility
Restore movement through gentle mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and guided exercises
Address contributing factors like poor posture or neck involvement
An accurate diagnosis is key to choosing the right approach and preventing long-term restriction.
Try these exercises to try eliminate that shrimp posture. 👉 1. Chin Tucks ✅ Stand with your back against a wall, a towel rolled up behind your head, placing it at the level of your ears✅ Gently tuck your chin straight back (not down)✅ Hold for 10-15 seconds✅ Repeat 10x🧠 Tip: You should feel a
McGills Big 3 exercises The Side Plank The Bird-Dog The Curl Up View this post on Instagram A post shared by Isis Chiropractic Centres (@isischiropracticclinic)
Supraspinatus tendinopathy is a common and crippling condition that becomes more prevalent after middle age. It is one of the most common cause of shoulder pain. Unfortunately it is not a condition that will heal on its own and will almost always need treatment.
Heavy backpacks, school sports and homework can place a strain on your child’s back. Many parents don’t realise the importance of backpacks and how children carry them.
It may not seem important but carrying a heavy, misfitted backpack everyday to school can be bad news for the spine. Your Chiropractor can help determine the back back size that is safe for your child.