Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Mona Vale
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes progressive stiffness and restriction of shoulder movement. Everyday activities such as reaching overhead, getting dressed, sleeping or reaching behind your back can become increasingly difficult.
At Helix Recovery, treatment is tailored to the stage of your condition, with a focus on managing pain, maintaining movement and gradually restoring shoulder function.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes painful, stiff and restricted.
The condition often progresses gradually and can last for many months. It is commonly described as moving through different stages, beginning with increasing pain and stiffness before movement becomes significantly restricted and then gradually improves.
Frozen shoulder can occur without an obvious cause, although it may also develop following an injury, surgery or a period where the shoulder has not been moving normally.
Common Symptoms
Progressive shoulder pain and stiffness
Significant restriction of shoulder movement
Difficulty reaching overhead
Difficulty reaching behind your back
Pain when getting dressed
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Both active and passive shoulder movement becoming restricted
How We Assess Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder has a characteristic pattern of restricted shoulder movement, but other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Your assessment will include examining your active and passive shoulder movement, strength and symptom behaviour while screening for other potential causes of shoulder pain and stiffness.
If your presentation is unusual or another condition is suspected, further investigation or medical referral may be recommended.
How We Treat Frozen Shoulder
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Shoulder mobility exercises
Strengthening as movement improves
Activity modification and symptom management
Gradual return to normal work, exercise and recreational activities
Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into treatment to help reduce pain and improve shoulder function.
It can be used alongside osteopathic manual therapy and progressive exercise rehabilitation, with treatment adapted to the sensitivity and stage of the condition. The aim is to improve comfort and facilitate participation in movement and rehabilitation rather than aggressively treating the restricted joint itself.
Common Questions
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No. Frozen shoulder causes a characteristic loss of both active and passive shoulder movement. Subacromial pain syndrome can be painful with certain movements, but the shoulder usually retains considerably more passive movement.
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Not aggressively. Some discomfort during mobility exercises may be acceptable, but repeatedly forcing a highly irritable shoulder can aggravate symptoms. Exercise should be matched to the stage of the condition.
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Frozen shoulder can be slow to resolve. Recovery commonly takes many months and, in some cases, considerably longer. Symptoms and movement generally improve progressively over time.
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Frozen shoulder is often diagnosed clinically. Imaging may be recommended when another condition needs to be excluded or the presentation isn't typical.
Ready to Get Your Shoulder Moving Again?
Whether shoulder pain is affecting work, the gym, surfing or everyday activities, we'll identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.