Frozen Shoulder: Is It More Than Just a Joint Problem?

‍

Frozen Shoulder – also known as Adhesive Capsulitis – is a condition that many active people, especially between the ages of 40 and 60, might face. It can feel like your shoulder has literally frozen in place, causing pain and severely limiting movement.

But what if we told you it might not be just a joint issue?

‍

👨‍⚕️ Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Traditionally, frozen shoulder has been seen as a musculoskeletal condition. The capsule that surrounds your shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, restricting movement and creating that notorious "frozen" feeling.

There are typically three phases:

1. Freezing – Pain develops and movement becomes limited.
2. Frozen – Pain may ease slightly but stiffness worsens.
3. Thawing – Gradual improvement in range of motion.

But many patients don't fit this textbook model. For some, it’s more widespread, more persistent, and responds poorly to typical rehab. That’s where the science gets interesting.

🔬 Could It Be Autoimmune?

Recent studies have uncovered something surprising: in certain people, frozen shoulder behaves like an autoimmune condition. That means your body may be mistakenly attacking its own healthy shoulder tissue, leading to inflammation, fibrosis (scarring), and pain.

🧪 Research has found:

• Pro-inflammatory immune cells like cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF-alpha in joint fluid
• Evidence of fibrosis, similar to other autoimmune diseases like scleroderma
• In some cases, autoantibodies (the same antibodies seen in autoimmune disorders)

📊 Studies have also found a strong link between frozen shoulder and other autoimmune conditions like:

• Type 1 & 2 diabetes
• Thyroid disease (e.g. Hashimoto’s)
• Dupuytren’s contracture

‍

🏥 What Does That Mean for You?

If you're struggling with frozen shoulder – especially if:

• You have it in both shoulders
• You have other autoimmune conditions
• Your symptoms don’t improve with rest or general rehab

… then it might be worth considering this autoimmune connection.

At Sports Physio UK, we don’t just look at the joint — we look at you. We assess underlying risk factors, screen for red flags, and tailor your treatment accordingly. That might include:

‍
✅ Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
✅ Targeted mobility and strengthening exercises
✅ Pain management strategies
✅ Referral to your GP if autoimmune involvement is suspected

‍

💪 Our Approach at Sports Physio UK

We're experts in frozen shoulder rehab – and we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your frozen shoulder is mechanical, metabolic, or autoimmune in nature, our team is trained to guide your recovery at every stage.

Book in today at any of our clinics in Oldham, Rossendale, or Slaithwaite – and let’s help you get moving again.

Book Now

🌐 www.book.sportsphysiouk.co.uk

Oldham: 01706 842996

Rossendale: 01706 218255

Slaithwaite: 01484 843455

‍

🎥🎥🎥 Fancy watching the full video here: 🎥🎥🎥