Shoulder physioTherapy

FROZEN SHOULDER (CAPSULITIS) TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’re experiencing in the front of your shoulder or neck combined with increasing shoulder stiffness, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

Within 1 week

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Consider early injections, followed by mobilisation, stretching and strengthening exercises.

WHAT IS FROZEN SHOULDER?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as capsulitis, is a condition that impacts the joint capsule of the shoulder. This capsule is a fibrous connective tissue structure that encases the shoulder joint. In cases of frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes inflamed, thickens, and contracts, resulting in pain and restricted shoulder movement.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder remains unclear; however, it is often linked to diabetes, thyroid disorders, post-surgery recovery, and prolonged immobilisation. Interestingly, frozen shoulder occurs twice as frequently in women compared to men and typically affects the non-dominant arm.

FROZEN SHOULDER SYMPTOMS

The early stages of frozen shoulder can be difficult to differentiate from other conditions. Typically people develop pain in the front of their arm. This pain can become incredibly severe, particularly overnight and with jerking movements. The hallmark sign of a frozen shoulder is stiffness of the shoulder joint, in both active and passive movements. This stiff affects your ability to lift your arm above your head, reach out to the side or put your hand behind your back, and causes significant functional restraint.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treatment of frozen shoulder injuries.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

FROZEN SHOULDER TREATMENT

Before going down the path of receiving treatment for your frozen shoulder, it is really important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some conditions, particularly sinister pathologies can masquerade as a frozen shoulder. Our Action Rehab therapists are trained in early detection of frozen shoulder and will be able to refer and interpret your scans to help you decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, there are multiple options for treating your frozen shoulder. If pain is a predominant feature of your frozen shoulder, an early steroid injection or hydrodilitation can be very helpful to settle your symptoms. We can liaise with your GP or specialist to organise this if it is an option. If indicated, and once you have had an injection our management of frozen shoulder aims to control your pain and increase your movement, this may include;

Taping
Manual therapy
Stretching
Strengthening

Generally surgery is not recommended for frozen shoulder until you have attempted at least six-months of rehab. If your shoulder is still not up to scratch after this, surgical options are available. Action Rehab The Hands Physio work with the best shoulder surgeons in Sydney and can facilitate an opinion if required.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR FROZEN SHOULDER

Frozen Shoulder is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right hand Therapist starts with them being able to read your X-rays and then fabricate the right brace for you. The therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing and reading X-rays.

Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Frozen Shoulder treatment.

Known for providing treatment for Frozen Shoulder and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries Action Rehab are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

FROZEN SHOULDER FAQS

How common is frozen shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is more common than most think. It occurs frequently post-operatively, particularly for women and diabetics.

How is frozen shoulder caused?

Frozen Shoulder is caused by inflammation and contraction of the capsule the surrounds the shoulder joint. It is strongly associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, post-stroke and following shoulder surgery.

How long does it take to recover?

If treated well, Frozen Shoulder should resolve within six-months. The theraoists at The Hands Physio are experienced in treating a frozen shoulder

Will it require surgery?

There are surgical options for Frozen Shoulder, including arthoscopic capsular release and manipulation under anaesthetic. This is generally not considered untio on-operative options such as rehab and injections have been exhausted.

Is it a serious condition?

Frozen Shoulder is a seriously painful condition, particularly in the early stages of the condition. People suffering from frozen shoulder can have symptoms that never resolve if left untreated.

Will it go away if left untreated?

It is unlikely that your frozen shoulder will self-resolve quickly. The natural history of frozen shoulder is widely disputed, though litrature reports that without treatment people will have symptoms more than 2-years following initial onset.