Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Transcription

1 University Teaching Trust Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Irving Building Physiotherapy All Rights Reserved Document for issue as handout.

2 What is a frozen shoulder? A frozen shoulder is the painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule, it leads to sleep disturbance and limits your ability to use your arm in day to day activities. What is the shoulder capsule? The shoulder joint is covered by a joint lining called a capsule. This is normally elastic and loose allowing large movements of the shoulder. What causes it? The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. It is most common in middle age (40-60) but is known to occur in other age groups. It affects females more than males. People with diabetes are also more prone to a frozen shoulder. Will it get better? They often resolve completely but this can take up to three years or more. Some people are left with some mild longer term symptoms. What should I expect with a frozen shoulder? There are generally considered to be three stages to a frozen shoulder: l Freezing - Initially pain is normally the main problem and gradually over time this restricts your movement and function of the arm and as a result the capsule doesn t get stretched and becomes inflamed, thickened and tight l Frozen - The pain then reduces and tightness becomes the main problem What are the common symptoms? l Pain and/or tightness round the top of your arm l Unable to lie on the painful side l Unable to put your hand up your back (e.g. fastening bra) l Pain and/or restriction turning your arm out to the side and reaching above your head l Waking at night Why did I get it? Most of the time it starts for no obvious reason, but it can also start after a fall, mild injury or after surgery. l Thawing - The tightness then generally resolves and movement and function return Others use the terms pain predominant or stiffness predominant depending on which is the main problem at the time. 1 2

3 How is it diagnosed? A diagnosis of a frozen shoulder is based on a patients description of symptoms and clinical assessment. Scans and further investigations are not usually required. If I move my arm into pain am I doing any harm? No. In this condition pain does not indicate harm. It is important to stretch gradually into the pain to prevent it stiffening further and to stretch out the tight capsule. What other treatments are available? l Pain killers and antiinflammatories - Helps reduce pain and inflammation thus allowing more stretching, which can help speed up recovery l Physiotherapy - Stretching helps improve capsule flexibility and function l Injections - Reduces inflammation and provides pain relief but does directly help the stiffness. This will allow you to stretch more although pain is often still felt when stretching l Surgery - If injections and physiotherapy have failed then surgery is considered. A capsular release is the most common operation. Intensive physiotherapy is required after surgery, which is often painful Exercises 4 x 10 repetitions a day. 1. Table and walk away Rest your hands on the table and then walk backwards keeping your hands on the table to stretch your shoulder. 2. Stretch out with a stick Use the stick to push your arm outwards keeping your elbow tucked in to your side (you can place a towel under you elbow to help you do this) and hold for

4 Notes 3. Hand behind back with towel Use the towel to stretch your arm up behind your back as far as you can. These exercises are designed to improve the movement of your shoulder and it is normal to feel an uncomfortable stretching sensation while you are doing them. This should settle with in 5 to 10 minutes after you have finished the exercises. 5 6

5 G W. Design Services Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust All Rights Reserved 2016 This document MUST NOT be photocopied Information Leaflet Control Policy: Unique Identifier: CS 31 A (16) Review Date: July 2018 University Teaching Trust For further information on this leaflet, it s references and sources used, please contact Copies of this information are available in other languages and formats upon request. If you need this interpreting please telephone In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities, to access this treatment / service. InterpretationandTrans@srft.nhs.uk Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy. For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service on Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD Telephone If you would like to become a Foundation Trust Member please visit: for-members If you have any suggestions as to how this document could be improved in the future then please visit: for-patients