Frozen Shoulder: A Pain in the Neck (and Shoulder!)

Ah, Buffalo winters. If the biting cold doesn’t freeze your toes, it might just freeze your shoulder! But before you start thinking that a "frozen shoulder" is a condition exclusive to our frosty region, let’s break it down, talking about what this condition is, how it happens, how to treat it, and how to prevent it—evidence-based, of course!

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is exactly what it sounds like—a shoulder that becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move. It occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, making it difficult for the shoulder to move freely. This “frozen” state can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, and trust us, it can leave you feeling stiff and limited in movement.

Imagine trying to lift your arm like you’re reaching for the top shelf of your kitchen cupboard, but your shoulder refuses to cooperate. That’s frozen shoulder in action—painful, frustrating, and a little embarrassing when you need to ask someone else to help you grab the cereal.

How Does Frozen Shoulder Occur?

While anyone can develop a frozen shoulder, certain factors increase the likelihood of it happening. Here are the main culprits:

1. Injury or Surgery: If you’ve had a shoulder injury (think rotator cuff tear or dislocation), or if you’ve undergone surgery and haven’t moved your shoulder much afterward, the shoulder joint might become stiff, leading to frozen shoulder. It's like the joint has been hibernating for too long and doesn't want to come out of its shell.
2. Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, and it’s more common in women. As if being a woman in your 40s isn’t challenging enough (we see you, ladies), this is just another reminder that our bodies love to throw curveballs.
3. Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid problems can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. It’s one of those frustrating conditions that can be tied to other health issues, like the weather here in Buffalo—never quite predictable and always ready to surprise you.
4. Lack of Movement: If you have a lack of shoulder movement for any reason—such as prolonged immobility due to illness or injury—your shoulder capsule might stiffen. Think of it as your shoulder’s way of saying, “Oh, we’re not doing anything? Okay, I’ll just take a nap.” But when it wakes up, it’s much harder to move!
   

The Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder doesn’t happen overnight, but rather in stages, much like the slow descent into winter in Buffalo. The stages are:



1. Freezing Stage: This is where you start noticing pain in your shoulder, especially when moving it. You might also feel like the pain is increasing over time and limiting your range of motion. Think of it as the moment winter arrives, and you realize you might need more than just a jacket to get through the cold.
2. Frozen Stage: The pain might decrease a bit, but now your shoulder becomes very stiff. You struggle to move your arm, and everyday tasks—like reaching for your coat—become incredibly challenging. This is when your shoulder feels like it’s encased in ice.
3. Thawing Stage: Here’s the good news! The frozen shoulder starts to improve. Your range of motion begins to return, and while you’re not yet completely back to normal, you can move around a little easier. It’s like when you get that first taste of warmth after a brutal Buffalo winter—finally, a bit of relief!

How to Treat Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for frozen shoulder can be a bit like trying to get through a Buffalo snowstorm—slow and steady wins the race. But don’t worry, we’ve got some options to help thaw that frozen shoulder out:

1. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often the go-to treatment for frozen shoulder. A trained physical therapist will guide you through gentle stretches and strengthening exercises designed to gradually improve your range of motion. It’s like getting your shoulder back into “running” shape after a long break.
2. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help with frozen shoulder by improving joint mobility and addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances in the shoulder and surrounding areas. Just like a chiropractor can help realign your spine after a long day of sitting in the cold, they can also work on your shoulder to increase range of motion and reduce discomfort.
3. Massage Therapy: Deep tissue and therapeutic massage can help loosen up tight muscles around the shoulder joint. Massage increases blood flow and relaxes the soft tissues, which can help with the stiffness and pain caused by frozen shoulder. It’s like melting the ice on your shoulder—literally!
4. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the pain associated with frozen shoulder. If the pain is more severe, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or even corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. Think of this as your shoulder’s winter coat—providing some extra protection against the elements.
5. Heat and Ice: Applying heat to your shoulder can help relax the muscles and improve flexibility, while ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. A balance of both might be just what you need to feel like you’ve survived a Buffalo winter, only to emerge with a thawed-out shoulder!
6. Surgical Options: In rare cases, if conservative treatments don’t help, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or release the tight capsule around the shoulder. However, this is typically a last resort after all other options have been explored.

How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder

While we can’t predict the next snowstorm in Buffalo, there are a few things you can do to prevent frozen shoulder from taking hold:

1. Stay Active: Keeping your shoulder moving and flexible is key to preventing frozen shoulder. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help keep your shoulder joint healthy and mobile. It’s like giving your shoulder a winter coat, ensuring it stays warm and well-protected all year long.
2. Don’t Ignore Injuries: If you injure your shoulder or have surgery, make sure to follow your doctor’s advice for rehabilitation. Staying on top of recovery can prevent the shoulder from stiffening up in the first place.
3. Manage Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid issues, work with your healthcare provider to manage those conditions effectively. Taking care of your overall health can help prevent frozen shoulder from making an unexpected appearance.
4. Posture Awareness: Good posture helps reduce the strain on your shoulder joints. Make sure you’re not hunching over or putting undue stress on your shoulders, especially when sitting at a desk or during physical activity.

Final Thoughts

Frozen shoulder can certainly put a chill in your day, but with the right treatment, you don’t have to suffer through it. Whether it’s chiropractic care, physical therapy, or even a little massage to get things moving, there are plenty of ways to thaw out and get your shoulder back to normal. So, next time the Buffalo winter hits and your shoulder starts to feel a little too stiff, don’t let it freeze you out—come see us at Peak Performance for the care and relief you need.

Stay warm, stay active, and don’t let your shoulder go cold on you!

Bethany Wolcott

D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26