FROZEN SHOULDER
AND PERIARTHRITIS
Frozen shoulder and periarthritis of the shoulder cause pain and increasingly restricted mobility that make dressing, brushing your hair and sleeping difficult. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we use manual therapy to ease the pain and gradually restore mobility.
The term periarthritis of the shoulder is often used for inflammation or overload of the tissues around the shoulder joint, while frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition in which the joint capsule thickens and tightens. Typical features are pain, especially at night, and a gradual loss of mobility. The problem can last several months, so it is important to recognise and treat it early.
Why shoulder problems occur
Common factors are:
- 🔹 Overload or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and bursae
- 🔹 Stiffening of the joint capsule after prolonged rest or an injury
- 🔹 Prolonged immobilisation of the arm after an injury or operation
- 🔹 Diabetes, which increases the likelihood of a frozen shoulder
- 🔹 Tension in the cervical spine and the muscles between the shoulder blades
- 🔹 A monotonous posture at work and repeated work above shoulder height
How a frozen shoulder presents
The most common signs are:
- 🔹 Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
- 🔹 Difficulty dressing, brushing your hair or reaching behind your back
- 🔹 Gradually restricted raising and rotation of the arm
- 🔹 A feeling of stiffness in the shoulder
- 🔹 Pain radiating into the upper arm
- 🔹 Tension of the neck and the muscles above the shoulder blade
How we treat the shoulder
We adapt the treatment to the phase of the problem. In the painful phase the emphasis is on pain relief, later on gradually restoring mobility.
1. Assessment of condition
Examination of the shoulder joint, cervical spine and shoulder blade, and determining the phase of the problem.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tight muscles and gentle improvement of mobility of the shoulder joint.
3. Exercises and guidance
Exercises for gradually restoring mobility and guidance on sleeping and everyday movement.
Periarthritis of the shoulder we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Shoulder pain when raising the arm
- 🔹 Difficulty dressing, combing hair or reaching behind the back
- 🔹 Shoulder pain at night
- 🔹 Limited shoulder mobility
- 🔹 Tension in the neck and shoulder blade with a painful shoulder
- 🔹 Long-lasting shoulder pain
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek medical help immediately if the shoulder hurts after a fall or a blow, if it is visibly deformed, if fever appears, or if the shoulder pain is accompanied by tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing or pain in the left arm. This may be a sign of a heart problem.
A frozen shoulder can last several months; early treatment often eases its course. Manual therapy is a complement to medical care, not a replacement; if a torn tendon is suspected, an orthopaedic assessment is required.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about frozen shoulder
How long does a frozen shoulder last?
Often several months, in some cases longer. The duration differs from person to person; early treatment usually eases its course.
Will the arm be fully mobile again?
In most people mobility improves gradually. The extent of recovery depends on the phase and cause of the problem, so we cannot give an exact prognosis.
Is moving the shoulder harmful?
Gentle movement within the limits of pain is usually beneficial, while forced stretching can make the problem worse. You will receive guidance after the examination.
How should I sleep with a painful shoulder?
Lying on the healthy side with a pillow under the arm, or lying on your back with the arm supported, often helps.
Do I need an injection?
The doctor decides this. Many problems are treated successfully conservatively with manual therapy and exercises.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the phase and duration of the problem; many patients feel relief after the first visits, but a frozen shoulder usually requires a longer programme.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.