In medical literature Frozen Shoulder’s proper name is Adhesive Capsulitis, as the name suggests the shoulder joint develops adhesions inside it that interferes with the smooth sliding motion that we  normally take for granted. Frozen Shoulder (FS) is also sometimes referred to as Fifties Shoulder because it’s onset is most commonly experienced by people in the 45-55 age group.

The common wisdom in medicine is that  FS resolves itself after 2 years, which is ok if you are prepared to wait that long. Leaving FS untreated tends to be further complicated by the fact that it usually occurs on the side of the body that you tend to use most. Once FS sufferers start to reach things off high shelves by bending sideways rather than use their other hand, mid back pain and stiffness starts to develop on your “good side” (this is a type of compensatory effect). This gives you an extra problem.

People who regularly stretch their shoulder muscles each day will rarely be taken by surprise with FS, once they feel it start to tighten and lose mobility they know it is time to see their favourite body worker. When treated early FS is usually quickly rectified. If you let it take hold because you choose to ignore the early signs or you just don’t notice it come on because you never stretch your shoulder muscles  FS is a lot harder to get rid of.

Basically if you find it difficult to reach upwards and backwards with either hand you are possibly on the way to getting FS. it is time to get some therapeutic massage, acupuncture or some other form of soft tissue work. Even though FS is a middle aged problem younger people can get it too.

FS is more likely to happen if you have had shoulder injuries in the past, like getting rotator cuff damage from a shoulder dislocation or repetative strain injuries through poor exercise practises (ie- too many push-ups) or chronic cramped work posture.

For many FS sufferers the first time they notice their condition is when they suddenly reach for things they were formerly able to grasp like an umbrella on their car’s back seat, a hand rail descending stairs or putting coats and pullovers on.

Basically if you notice your shoulders start to tighten do something about it sooner rather than later, it may save you much expense and annoyance later on.

Sometimes your FS occurs as an isolated problem, other times it can happen as a part of something bigger, like PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica) which can effect all your joints.  Stretch regularly and act early.