Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Overview
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement.
It usually develops gradually, often following injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility, and can last months to years if untreated.
Signs & Symptoms
- Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness and pain
- Limited active and passive range of motion
- Pain that worsens at night or with sudden movements
- Difficulty performing daily tasks (reaching overhead, dressing)
- Three stages: freezing (painful), frozen (stiff), and thawing (recovery)
Causes
- Prolonged shoulder immobilization (e.g., after injury or surgery)
- Diabetes or metabolic disorders (higher risk)
- Thyroid conditions
- Postural and mobility deficits
- Unknown (idiopathic) in many cases
How a Chiropractor Can Help
At Unify Rehab & Performance, we perform a comprehensive mobility and movement assessment to identify the phase of your frozen shoulder and tailor treatment accordingly.
Our approach may include:
- Gentle chiropractic mobilizations to restore capsular motion.
- Soft tissue therapy for surrounding muscles and fascia.
- Acupuncture to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
- Progressive rehab exercises emphasizing controlled stretching, scapular mobility, and gradual strengthening.
- Education on maintaining mobility and preventing stiffness recurrence.
Our focus is to help restore motion, relieve pain, and rebuild functional strength safely through each stage of recovery.