Conditions
Frozen shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis stiffens the shoulder capsule and limits lifting or rotating the arm. A gradual plan restores motion without forcing.
- What it is. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and progressive loss of active and passive mobility.
- Symptoms. It may follow immobilization, surgery, diabetes, thyroid disorders or appear without a clear cause.
- How it is treated. At Kinésica we combine manual therapy and osteopathy to improve glenohumeral and scapular mobility, with gentle manipulations as tolerated.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and progressive loss of active and passive mobility. It often evolves in phases: pain, stiffness and slow recovery.
What symptoms are linked to frozen shoulder?
It may follow immobilization, surgery, diabetes, thyroid disorders or appear without a clear cause. Inflammation and capsule thickening restrict elevation and external rotation.
Without care, daily tasks (dressing, reaching shelves, sleeping on the affected side) become hard and neck or back compensations may appear.
How is frozen shoulder treated at Kinésica?
At Kinésica we combine manual therapy and osteopathy to improve glenohumeral and scapular mobility, with gentle manipulations as tolerated. We add muscle-chain work and RPG to reorganize movement patterns.
How is frozen shoulder assessed?
Assessment identifies the phase and load tolerance. We progress with dosed mobility, scapular control and a clear self-care plan until useful function returns.
When should you seek care for frozen shoulder?
This information is educational and does not replace medical assessment.
- Severe pain that does not improve with relative rest or worsens quickly.
- Progressive weakness, sensory changes, or difficulty walking.
- Recent trauma, fever, general malaise, or new unusual symptoms.
If these signs appear, seek prompt medical evaluation. Conditions of use and informational scope.
Approach at Kinésica
We respect the frozen-shoulder phase: ease pain first, then regain mobility.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three distinct clinical stages of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?
The freezing stage (severe progressive pain), the frozen stage (stiffness predominates while acute pain lessens), and the thawing stage (gradual recovery of range of motion).
Which specific shoulder movements are lost first in adhesive capsulitis?
External rotation (struggling to reach behind the head) and internal rotation (unable to reach the lower back), followed closely by active overhead abduction.