‘Frozen shoulder’ as it is commonly known is a condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff to move. Shoulder movement can become substantially reduced, sometimes resulting in the shoulder becoming entirely ‘frozen.’ It is caused by scar-like tissue forming in the shoulder capsule. It can be vastly improved with effective treatment with symptoms often being entirely removed. However, simply left the condition can deteriorate rapidly to an entirely unusable shoulder.

The symptoms typically have three phases:

Phase one – the ‘freezing’, painful phase. Usually lasting a couple of months, this is where stiffness and movement limitation first begins and gradually builds up. The first symptom is usually pain which is typically worse at night when lying on the affected side.

Phase two – the ‘frozen’, stiff (or adhesive) phase. This typically lasts 4-12 months. Pain gradually eases but stiffness and limitation in movement remain and can get worse. The most severely affected movement is the rotation of the arm outwards and the muscles around the shoulder may waste a bit as they are not used.

Phase three – the ‘thawing’, recovery phase. This can last anything from 1-3 years. With effective treatment however the time is greatly reduced. The pain and stiffness gradually go and movement gradually returns to normal, or near normal.

My therapy treats shoulder issues by addressing the root of the problem, removing the pain and allowing normality to be restored. The treatments involve no manipulation, are suitable for all ages, and can be carried out through light clothing if preferred by the client.

Clients generally notice a significant difference after their first treatment. It is not unusual for clients to be completely free of their problem after only two visits.