All You Need to Know About Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that can sneak up on you, gradually limiting your shoulder's range of motion.

The condition causes pain and stiffness that may last for months or even years without proper treatment and an understanding of how to control it. Whether reaching for your coffee mug, making your bed, or fastening your seatbelt, a frozen shoulder can turn simple daily tasks into challenging ordeals.

This post will explore frozen shoulder, its symptoms and causes, and how chiropractic treatment and exercise can help end the condition at its source.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is caused by inflammation of the ligaments within the shoulder joint capsule, which envelopes the shoulder bones and allows them to function and work together for proper shoulder movement.

When the capsule is irritated, the shoulder bones can’t move as intended, and the restricted movement generates many symptoms.

Common symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

Increasing pain in the shoulder joint that occurs over time
Stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder
Pain that worsens at night, often disrupting sleep
Difficulty performing everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind your back
A dull or aching pain in the outer shoulder area
Increased pain when moving the arm or with sudden movements
Muscle weakness in the affected arm due to disuse
Reduced ability to rotate the arm inward or outward
Pain that may extend or radiate down the upper arm but typically not past the elbow
Progressive loss of shoulder mobility, often occurring in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing

These symptoms will develop slowly and may vary in intensity, making prompt attention important to your healing journey. You should always listen to your body and seek help when showing adverse symptoms; this can minimize your pain and discourage further injuries and chronic conditions.

Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?

Almost anyone can experience frozen shoulder, but because it occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens, swells, and contracts, it typically affects those involved with regular activity involving the shoulder joint or a traumatic accident.

Common causes of frozen shoulder include:

Overuse, often due to sports, hobbies, or occupation
Consistent immobilization, such as after a surgery
A trauma such as a fall or car accident
An underlying condition, such as arthritis
Chronic rotator cuff injuries
Regular wear and tear or aging

Finding the reason for your frozen shoulder will impact your treatment strategy and how you proactively care for your body. Working with your local chiropractor is a great way to get safe, effective analysis, care, and guidance.

Visit Our Bluffdale Pilates & Chiropractic Clinic for Shoulder Pain Relief

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, our Bluffdale chiropractor, Pilates instructors, and massage therapist work together to provide natural, noninvasive solutions to help you regain comfort and mobility.

Our solutions offer targeted shoulder relief, enhance range of motion, and improve overall quality of life—all without surgery or medication, allowing your body to strengthen and heal safely.

We understand how crucial your shoulders are to your daily activities. Our team will carefully assess the root cause of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan that combines expert chiropractic techniques with tailored Pilates exercises and massage therapy.

Chiropractic services, exercises, and therapies we use to treat frozen shoulder include: