Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Eastbourne: What Are the Options?
Updated: 6 days ago
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes pain and progressive stiffness in the shoulder, often making everyday activities such as dressing, reaching overhead or sleeping on the affected side difficult. If you have shoulder pain or stiffness in Eastbourne, an assessment can help determine whether frozen shoulder or another shoulder problem may be responsible. In this article, I explain the typical features of frozen shoulder, treatment options and how osteopathic treatment may form part of its management.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder usually develops gradually and causes pain and a marked restriction of shoulder movement. Both active movement (when you move your own arm) and passive movement (when someone else moves it for you) are typically restricted. The condition is commonly described as progressing through three overlapping stages:
1. Freezing stage: Pain often becomes progressively more noticeable and shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted. Symptoms can be particularly troublesome at night.
2. Frozen stage: Stiffness and restricted movement are usually prominent. Pain may begin to lessen, although everyday activities such as dressing or reaching overhead can remain difficult.
3. Thawing stage: Shoulder movement gradually improves. Recovery can be slow and may take many months.
Can Osteopathy Help with Frozen Shoulder?
Osteopathic management of frozen shoulder begins with an assessment of the shoulder, including its movement and function. I also consider whether the symptoms are consistent with frozen shoulder or whether another shoulder problem may need to be considered. Where osteopathic treatment is appropriate, the aim is to help manage pain and maintain or gradually improve movement alongside suitable advice and exercises.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include gentle joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques and appropriate exercises. The techniques used, and how strongly they are applied, depend on the stage of the frozen shoulder, the level of pain and the findings from your assessment.
Manual Therapy: I am trained in the Niel-Asher Technique for frozen shoulder. Where appropriate, treatment may include gentle hands-on techniques aimed at maintaining or improving shoulder movement and helping manage muscle and joint-related discomfort.
Soft-Tissue Techniques: Gentle soft-tissue techniques may be used to address muscle tension around the shoulder and surrounding areas where appropriate.
Joint Mobilisation: Carefully selected mobilisation techniques may be used to help maintain or gradually improve shoulder movement. The techniques used will depend on the stage of the condition and how irritable or painful the shoulder is.
Exercise and Movement: Advice on suitable movement and exercises may form part of management. These can be adjusted as symptoms and shoulder mobility change.
Advice and Self-Management: I may provide advice about everyday activities, movement and ways of managing the shoulder between appointments. Where symptoms suggest that further medical assessment or investigation may be appropriate, I will discuss this with you.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment at Eastbourne Osteopathy
I am Andy Duckmanton, a GOsC registered osteopath qualified since 2007. I have undertaken additional training in the Niel-Asher Technique for Frozen Shoulder. At my Eastbourne clinic, I assess shoulder pain and stiffness before discussing whether osteopathic treatment may be appropriate and what other treatment or referral options should be considered.
Treatment is individual rather than based on a fixed programme, and I will explain the findings from your assessment and discuss an appropriate management plan with you.
When Should I Seek Help for Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain and stiffness can have several causes, and not every painful or restricted shoulder is a frozen shoulder. If your symptoms are persistent, worsening or significantly affecting everyday activities, an assessment may help establish what is contributing to the problem and what management options are appropriate.
If you are looking for help with frozen shoulder or shoulder pain in Eastbourne, you can book an appointment with me at Eastbourne Osteopathy. You can book online or call 01323 335052.