Feature of the Month
Don’t Wait for Frozen Shoulder to Thaw on Its Own
Your shoulder pain seems minor at first. Maybe you notice some discomfort when you’re reaching into a cupboard, or putting on your favourite jacket takes more effort. But over time, your shoulder becomes harder and harder to move.
This describes the classic progression of frozen shoulder, a condition that causes both pain and restriction in the shoulder joint. It can take a long time to resolve–sometimes up to three years!
However, you don’t have to simply wait for it to run its course. Early care at Ace Physique can help you manage pain, maintain as much movement as possible, and support your overall recovery.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff, making everyday movements painful and increasingly difficult. It’s unique because it typically progresses through three overlapping stages:
The freezing stage
The frozen stage
The thawing stage
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?
It’s not always clear why frozen shoulder develops. In some cases, it may be linked to certain health conditions, like thyroid disorders or diabetes.
However, untreated shoulder pain, such as after injury, surgery, or fracture, can sometimes set the stage for frozen shoulder, especially when movement is restricted for weeks or months. Many people try to protect the painful or injured area by limiting everyday arm movements. But over time, this prolonged immobility can contribute to tightening and stiffness of the shoulder joint capsule, increasing the risk of secondary frozen shoulder.
Why Early Care Can Help Keep Your Shoulder Moving
Frozen shoulder typically improves over time, but it’s a long process. Starting care early can help facilitate this process, however! At Ace Physique, our multidisciplinary team can help manage your symptoms, including preserving comfortable movement. And the earlier you start your treatment, the more impact it can have.
What’s Included in Frozen Shoulder Care?
Physiotherapy
Chiropractic Care
Massage Therapy
Acupuncture
Your Treatment Should Change as Your Shoulder Changes
Because frozen shoulder progresses through different stages, your treatment doesn’t stay the same either.
During The Freezing Stage
During the Frozen Stage
During the Thawing Stage
Don’t Let Shoulder Stiffness Put Life on Hold
If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain and a gradual restriction in shoulder mobility, schedule an appointment at Ace Physique to have your shoulder assessed. Our team can determine what might be going on, including whether or not you’re dealing with frozen shoulder. And if you are, we can get you started with an early care plan focused on managing discomfort and moving toward better function.
Early support can give your shoulder the care it needs at every stage of recovery, so contact us today to get started!
More to Explore
What Does Posture Have to Do With Shoulder Mobility?
If you are dealing with frozen shoulder, then shoulder mobility is probably on your mind. But when talking about it, you need to consider that the shoulder doesn’t move by itself. Your upper back, shoulder blade, and rib cage all contribute to how comfortably and efficiently you reach, lift, and move your arm, which is why posture is worth considering, too.
Your Shoulder Needs More Than One Joint to Move
Healthy shoulder movement depends on coordination between the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. As you raise your arm, your shoulder blade rotates and tilts along your rib cage. Your upper back also extends and rotates to support the motion.
Posture can affect these mechanics. For example, spending long periods with your upper back rounded may alter the shoulder blade’s motion and reduce available overhead range compared with a more upright position.
So what can you do to improve your posture? The big thing to keep in mind is that it’s not about maintaining one perfect position, but about getting plenty of variety in your movement throughout the day.
Try These Postural Tips from Our Team
- Change positions regularly. Avoid staying in one seated or standing position for hours.
- Keep your upper back moving. Gentle upper-back rotation and extension exercises can support the movement needed for reaching overhead.
- Move your shoulder blades. Comfortable reaching, pulling, and lifting activities help maintain coordinated movement.
- Build strength. Strengthening the shoulder and upper-back muscles can improve upper-body capacity needed for reaching, lifting, and other daily activities.
Give Your Shoulder Room to Move
If stiffness or pain is limiting your daily activities, Ace Physique can assess your posture and provide personalized suggestions to help guide you toward easier, more comfortable movement. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
Exercise of the Month
PRONE ARM REACH BACK
Lie face down on an exercise table with your upper chest supported and both arms hanging straight down off the sides, holding a light weight in each hand. With palms facing in, slowly raise your arms backward toward your hips in a sweeping motion, keeping them close to your body. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top, then lower your arms back down with control.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: exercise table, light weights)
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Seasonal Tips
Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Fall Season
Text Neck Prevention:
Mindfulness Through Movement:
Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being all season long! 🍁
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