Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): What Canadians Should Know

A frozen shoulder causes pain, limited movement, and gradual stiffness in the joint. The condition progresses slowly and can take months to years to fully resolve.

People typically experience shoulder pain for several months, followed by increasing stiffness. Daily tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, driving, or lifting objects may become difficult. In more advanced cases, movement can become severely restricted.

Frozen shoulder may improve over time even without treatment, but rehabilitation can help shorten the course and reduce discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Assessment

A doctor should be consulted if shoulder pain is persistent, disrupts normal movement, interrupts sleep or affects daily functioning. Early diagnosis improves the chance of limiting long-term stiffness.

Why Frozen Shoulder Develops

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. The exact cause is not always clear. Factors associated with increased risk include:

• Previous shoulder injury or surgery

• Diabetes

• Dupuytren’s contracture

• Heart disease or stroke

• Age between 40 and 60

• More common in women than men

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often based on physical examination and assessment of range of motion. Frozen shoulder generally affects both passive and active motion. Imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI may be used to rule out other musculoskeletal or joint conditions.

Treatment and Management

While some individuals eventually recover without treatment, management strategies can reduce pain and improve function. These may include:

• Pain-relief medications as advised by a healthcare provider

• Corticosteroid injections for short-term symptom relief

• Physiotherapy and guided mobility exercises

• Home stretching programs

• In rare or persistent cases, surgical intervention

Access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation varies across Canadian provinces, though many family physicians provide referrals to structured rehab programs.

Everyday Function and Injury Awareness

Frozen shoulder is not a medical emergency, but it underscores the importance of safe movement and joint protection in workplaces, sports, and community settings. First aid and workplace safety training offered through St. Mark James helps Canadians build confidence in injury awareness, safe lifting techniques, and early recognition of health concerns that may require medical follow-up.

Educational Disclaimer

This article provides general Canadian health education only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for individual concerns.