Osteopathy for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and restrictive condition that affects the shoulder joint. It develops gradually and can significantly impact a person’s ability to move their arm, perform daily tasks, and sleep comfortably.

Osteopathy offers a gentle and practical approach to managing and relieving the symptoms of frozen shoulder by addressing the root causes of joint restriction and muscular tension.

What is Frozen Shoulder? (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is when the shoulder capsule, a connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed and stiff.

Over time, this leads to thickening and tightening of the capsule, limiting the shoulder’s range of motion and causing chronic pain and discomfort.

What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

The hallmark symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Persistent shoulder pain, particularly during movement
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Difficulty with everyday tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, or lying on the affected side
• Pain that may worsen at night, disrupting sleep

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

While the exact cause is not always known, frozen shoulder is more common in individuals recovering from shoulder surgery or injury, or those with conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. Prolonged immobility and inflammation are significant contributing factors.

The Three Phases of Frozen Shoulder

Freezing Phase

Pain begins and gradually worsens, with the shoulder becoming increasingly stiff. This phase can last several weeks to months.

Frozen Phase

Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains. Range of motion becomes severely limited, affecting daily function. This phase can last 4–12 months.

Thawing Phase

Shoulder mobility slowly begins to improve. This recovery phase may take several months to a few years without treatment.

Can Osteopathy Help Treat Frozen Shoulder?

Yes, osteopathy can be crucial in relieving symptoms and accelerating recovery from frozen shoulder.

Osteopathic treatment helps break the cycle of pain and restriction by improving joint mobility, reducing inflammation, and addressing compensatory tension in surrounding areas.

Benefits of Osteopathy for Frozen Shoulder

• Pain relief through gentle mobilisation and soft tissue techniques
• Improved shoulder function by increasing joint and muscle flexibility
• Enhanced circulation to support healing and reduce inflammation
• Postural correction to address imbalances caused by limited shoulder movement
• Holistic support, including advice on exercises and lifestyle modifications

Find Shoulder Relief with Osteopathy Gold Coast at Chirn Park Health Group

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating and limiting, but effective treatment is available. The team at Chirn Park Health Group on the Gold Coast offers skilled Gold Coast osteopathic care tailored to your stage of recovery.

Whether in the early freezing phase or seeking to regain full mobility, our osteopathy Gold Coast team can help guide you through a personalised treatment plan to relieve pain and restore movement.

Please book a consultation with our Osteopath Southport today to begin your path to recovery.