Frozen shoulder — medically known as adhesive capsulitis — is a condition that causes progressive stiffness, pain, and severe loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. If you are struggling to reach overhead, fasten your seatbelt, or get dressed because of shoulder stiffness, you may be dealing with frozen shoulder. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, we provide comprehensive treatment to help you regain mobility and reduce pain.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that restrict movement. The condition typically progresses through three stages:
Stage 1 — Freezing (2 to 9 months): Pain increases gradually and the shoulder begins to lose range of motion. Pain is often worse at night and with movement.
Stage 2 — Frozen (4 to 12 months): Pain may actually decrease somewhat, but stiffness is at its worst. Daily activities become very difficult. Reaching behind your back, overhead, and to the side is severely limited.
Stage 3 — Thawing (5 to 24 months): Range of motion gradually returns. Treatment during this stage aims to support the gradual return of movement.
Without treatment, the entire cycle can last 1 to 3 years. Treatment aims to ease pain and help you maintain and regain movement along the way.
Frozen shoulder is more common in women, people over 40, those with diabetes or thyroid conditions, and after periods of shoulder immobilization (such as after surgery or injury).
How We Treat Frozen Shoulder
RMT Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can play a supportive role in frozen shoulder treatment by addressing the muscular guarding and tension that accompany the condition. Our RMTs use gentle techniques appropriate for each stage — avoiding aggressive stretching during the freezing stage (which can worsen inflammation), focusing on maintaining available range and reducing compensatory neck and upper back tension during the frozen stage, and progressively deeper work during the thawing stage to help restore mobility.
Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
Acupuncture may help with pain and stiffness in frozen shoulder. Our Registered Acupuncturist uses specific shoulder points combined with distal points, with the aim of easing pain and supporting circulation around the joint. Electroacupuncture may also be used.
Physiotherapy and Kinesiology
Our physiotherapy approach includes stage-specific exercise programs designed to maintain and restore range of motion, manual therapy and joint mobilization techniques, pendulum exercises and passive stretching in the early stages, progressive strengthening as mobility returns, and home exercise programs that are essential for ongoing progress between appointments.
Chiropractic Care
Shoulder dysfunction often creates compensatory problems in the thoracic spine, cervical spine, and scapula. Chiropractic care may help address these secondary issues as part of your shoulder recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder
How long does frozen shoulder treatment take?
With consistent, multidisciplinary treatment, many patients notice improvement over 3 to 6 months, although individual results vary. Without treatment, frozen shoulder can persist for 1 to 3 years. Many clinicians recommend starting treatment early.
Can frozen shoulder come back?
Frozen shoulder rarely recurs in the same shoulder, but it can develop in the other shoulder. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder in both shoulders.
Is it safe to stretch a frozen shoulder?
Gentle stretching is beneficial, but aggressive forcing of movement — especially during the freezing stage — can increase inflammation and pain. Your practitioner will guide you on appropriate stretching intensity for your stage.
Is frozen shoulder treatment covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans cover RMT, acupuncture, physiotherapy and chiropractic care. We can bill many insurers directly; you pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum). ICBC and WorkSafeBC coverage may apply if the condition resulted from an accident or workplace injury.
Book Your Frozen Shoulder Assessment in Richmond
If shoulder stiffness is limiting your daily activities, an assessment can help you understand your options. Contact Artemis Wellness Clinic at 604-242-2233 or book online. We are at 5911 Number 3 Rd #130, Richmond BC.
