Knowing which ligament has adaptively shortened is crucial to treatment of the shoulder. The key ligaments of the shoulder are: superior, middle, inferior glenohumeral ligaments (most common capsular loss of overhead motion), and coracohumeral ligament. These ligaments function as all other ligaments of the body, to give restraint and stability to specific motions that can cause damage or strain. Understanding the anatomy/biomechanics of the shoulder and the capsular ligaments that give it passive stability is vital. These apply to all shoulders which lack range of motion, regardless of the particular diagnosis. There are 5 key principles for treating the “frozen” shoulder. HOW TO GAIN FULL MOTION WITH A “STIFF” SHOULDER: Cited in numerous case studies, treatment to the minimally “frozen” shoulder could have prevented long-head biceps and rotator cuff damage in the shoulder. Continuing to use a shoulder with sub-optimal motion during activity can lead to further devastating results and injury. Post-injury – any injured tissue or inflammatory process that does not allow for full range of motion.Ī stiff shoulder pathology can worsen if ignored in a minimal state of ROM loss.patient wearing a brace/sling for several days/weeks after This can be a natural process of the surgery and other times it can be a complication. Post-operative – more specific stiffness than adhesive capsulitis.It normally has three phases of progression: freezing, frozen, and thawing. It has long term restrictions that can last up to 18 months.

Adhesive capsulitis (AKA “frozen shoulder”) – insidious onset with the adherence of the capsule causing contracture of the shoulder that results in significant range of motion loss in multiple planes.Rotator Cuff tear – ( this is a dynamic muscular issue that is not related to our current topic but definitely limits overhead motion).There are 4 major reasons a stiff shoulder develops: WHAT FACTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A “FROZEN” SHOULDER The lack of motion from a stiff shoulder can have significant impact on daily living, vocation, and recreation.

We explore the meaning of stiff shoulder as it refers to sub-optimal range of motion for performance that is physically and, at times, mentally debilitating. A “Stiff” shoulder can mean different things to different people.

Frozen shoulder cure one minute