Frozen Shoulder: Regaining Mobility with Osteopathy

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually and can significantly affect daily activities such as dressing, reaching overhead, or even sleeping comfortably.

Key symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

    •    Persistent shoulder pain (especially at night)

    •    Limited range of motion in the shoulder

    •    Stiffness that makes simple movements difficult

    •    Gradual progression of pain and restriction

Frozen shoulder typically develops in three stages:

    1.    Freezing stage – Increasing pain and gradual loss of movement

    2.    Frozen stage – Stiffness dominates, pain may lessen but mobility is severely restricted

    3.    Thawing stage – Gradual return of movement and function

The exact cause is not always clear, but frozen shoulder is often linked to injury, surgery, diabetes, or prolonged immobility of the arm.

How osteopathy can help:

Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and supporting the body’s natural healing. Gentle manual techniques are used to:

    •    Improve movement in the shoulder and surrounding joints

    •    Release muscle tension in the neck, chest, and upper back that may restrict the shoulder

    •    Enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage for better recovery

    •    Support posture and reduce compensations in the spine and ribcage

While frozen shoulder can take months to resolve naturally, osteopathy may help accelerate recovery, ease discomfort, and restore function more effectively.

If you are struggling with shoulder stiffness or pain, osteopathy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to support healing and help you regain freedom of movement.

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