Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

• Frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness, and loss of movement in the shoulder joint.

• It develops gradually and may last months to years.

• Symptoms include night pain, difficulty reaching overhead, and limited rotation.

• It is more common in people over 40, and those with diabetes, thyroid, or metabolic conditions.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic assessment, ultrasound imaging, blood testing, and tailored rehab to support recovery.

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What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This restricts movement and causes pain.

The condition usually progresses in three stages:

1. Freezing stage – increasing pain and stiffness

2. Frozen stage – pain may reduce, but stiffness persists

3. Thawing stage – movement gradually improves

The process can take 12–24 months without treatment, though with proper care recovery can be much quicker.

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Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

• Gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder

• Pain that is worse at night, often disturbing sleep

• Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or to the side

• Limited range of motion in all directions

• Shoulder weakness due to reduced use

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Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause isn’t always clear, but frozen shoulder may be triggered by:

• Previous shoulder injury or surgery

• Prolonged immobility (e.g. after a fracture)

• Diabetes and thyroid disorders (strongly linked)

• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

• Age (most common 40–60 years old)

• More frequent in women than men

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Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Osteopathic examination – assessing shoulder range of motion, stiffness, and pain patterns

• Ultrasound imaging – to rule out other causes such as rotator cuff tears or arthritis, and confirm changes in the shoulder capsule

• Blood tests – where indicated, to check for underlying metabolic or inflammatory factors (e.g. diabetes, thyroid imbalance, cholesterol, or autoimmune markers) that may predispose to frozen shoulder

• Referral for MRI if more complex pathology is suspected

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Self-Help for Frozen Shoulder

• Gentle movement – keep the shoulder as mobile as possible without forcing painful movements

• Heat packs – may ease stiffness

• Pain relief – paracetamol or short-term NSAIDs if tolerated

• Good posture – avoid slumping, which can worsen restriction

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment & manual therapy – joint mobilisation and soft tissue release to reduce stiffness

✅ Exercise rehabilitation – progressive stretching and strengthening to restore mobility

✅ Sports massage – easing muscular tension around the shoulder and upper back

✅ Ultrasound imaging – to track capsule changes and guide treatment

✅ Blood tests & metabolic support – to manage underlying conditions that may prolong recovery

✅ Referral to trusted consultants – if advanced interventions such as hydrodistension or surgery are required

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Prevention

While frozen shoulder can’t always be prevented, you can reduce risk by:

• Keeping the shoulder mobile after injury or surgery

• Managing diabetes, thyroid, and cholesterol levels

• Regular exercise to maintain shoulder flexibility

• Seeking early care if shoulder stiffness develops

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FAQs – Frozen Shoulder

Q: How long does frozen shoulder last?
It can last 1–3 years without treatment. With care, recovery may be quicker.

Q: Can osteopathy help?
Yes. Manual therapy, joint mobilisation, and guided rehab are effective in improving movement and reducing pain.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Not always, but ultrasound is useful to confirm diagnosis and rule out other shoulder conditions.

Q: Why are blood tests important?
Conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease are strongly linked with frozen shoulder. Identifying and managing these can improve outcomes.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let frozen shoulder limit your life. Book your Frozen Shoulder assessment in Bromley today and start your recovery journey.