Frozen Shoulder
Treatment in Oxford
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a progressive, painful condition that can significantly limit daily life. At Northwood Chiropractic, we identify the root cause and address both the shoulder and spine for a faster, lasting recovery.
Oxford Chiropractor
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the glenohumeral joint (the main shoulder joint) becomes painful and progressively restricted due to inflammation and scarring of the surrounding joint capsule. Movement becomes increasingly limited and pain is often worse at night, making everyday activities and sleep very difficult.
It is most common in women in middle age but can affect anyone. A key factor that is frequently missed is the contribution of the cervical spine. The nerves that supply the shoulder originate from the lower neck, and prolonged misalignment here reduces the nerve supply to the shoulder over time, making the joint more susceptible to this type of condition and significantly slower to recover.
The sooner the underlying cause is identified and addressed, the better the results tend to be.
Recognising Frozen Shoulder
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness
- Progressively restricted range of motion in all directions
- Pain that is often worse at night and disrupts sleep
- Difficulty with everyday tasks such as dressing or reaching
- A dull ache at rest that sharpens with movement
- Stiffness that worsens before movement begins to return
- History of previous shoulder injury or prolonged immobility
The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct stages. These stages can be significantly shortened when the underlying cause is identified and addressed early.
Freezing
The most painful stage. Shoulder movement becomes increasingly limited as pain builds. This is when early intervention has the greatest impact.
Duration: 2 to 9 monthsFrozen
Pain begins to reduce but stiffness and restriction of movement are at their greatest. Daily activities and sleep remain significantly affected.
Duration: 4 to 12 monthsThawing
Movement gradually begins to return as the capsule loosens. Addressing the spinal component during this stage supports a fuller, faster recovery.
Duration: 5 to 12 monthsChiropractic Treatment
for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder frequently has both a local and a spinal component. Previous trauma, shoulder dysfunction, and prolonged cervical spine misalignment are all well-established contributing factors. Addressing the spine alongside the shoulder is what allows us to not only get good results, but lasting ones.
Our assessment provides a precise and clear picture of what is driving your condition before any treatment begins.
- 1
Full Health History
Understanding how your frozen shoulder developed, previous injuries, and how it currently affects your daily life.
- 2
Cervical Spine Assessment
Nervoscope scanning and structural analysis to identify any spinal misalignment reducing nerve supply to the shoulder.
- 3
Shoulder Orthopaedic Testing
Specific tests to assess range of motion, capsular restriction, and identify which stage of frozen shoulder you are in.
- 4
Results and Personalised Plan
At your second visit, we explain exactly what we found and present a clear care plan covering both the shoulder and the spine, with specific exercises where appropriate.
Part of a Wider Assessment
Frozen shoulder is one of several shoulder conditions we help with at Northwood Chiropractic. If you are unsure whether this is what you have, our full shoulder assessment will identify exactly what is going on.
Back to Shoulder Pain✓ Gonstead specialist with over a decade of experience
✓ Shoulder and spine assessed together
✓ 5-star rated Oxford Chiropractic clinic
✓ 10,000+ patients adjusted
I have been going here for just a few weeks and I can honestly recommend Steven Hulme to anybody with back problems. My back and shoulders have not felt this good for years. I wish I had done this years ago instead of taking all the painkillers the doctors gave me.
Frozen Shoulder FAQs
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder can last anywhere from several months to a few years. While it is self-limiting in most cases, meaning it often resolves on its own eventually, this should not be a reason to leave it untreated. It is a warning sign that something is not functioning correctly, and without identifying and addressing the underlying cause, recovery is significantly slower and recurrence is more likely.
Can a Chiropractor help with frozen shoulder?
Yes. Frozen shoulder frequently has a spinal component that is missed by other practitioners. The nerves supplying the shoulder originate from the lower cervical spine, and misalignment here can reduce nerve supply to the shoulder, making it more susceptible to conditions like frozen shoulder and significantly slower to recover. Addressing both the shoulder and the spine is how we achieve lasting results.
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff injury?
No. Frozen shoulder involves progressive stiffening and scarring of the shoulder joint capsule, restricting movement in all directions. A rotator cuff injury involves damage to the muscles or tendons that stabilise the shoulder, typically causing weakness and pain with specific movements. Both can have a spinal component, and both benefit from a thorough assessment of the cervical spine alongside the shoulder.
What makes frozen shoulder worse?
Immobility tends to worsen frozen shoulder, as does prolonged poor posture and unresolved cervical spine dysfunction. Previous shoulder injuries that were not fully rehabilitated are also a common contributing factor. Early assessment and targeted care is significantly more effective than waiting for the condition to resolve on its own.
feeling better?
