The Relationship Between Stiff Shoulders and Frozen Shoulder | Don't Ignore Stiff Shoulders If You Want to Avoid Frozen Shoulder

Hello, this is Arichan-sensei.

Introduction

"It's just a stiff shoulder, so it can't be helped."

Don't you think that?

On the other hand, there are many people who think, "I don't want to get frozen shoulder.".

The other day, I wrote a note explaining frozen shoulder in detail.

"What kind of condition is frozen shoulder?"
"What kind of symptoms occur?"
"What happens if I leave it alone?"

If you are wondering about these things, please take a look at this note first.

This time, I will talk about frozen shoulder from a slightly different perspective.

Stiff shoulders and frozen shoulder are medically different things.

Stiff shoulders are a "symptom"

Frozen shoulder is a "disease"

and they are not the same condition.

However, in my daily clinical practice, I have experienced many cases where people with frozen shoulder also have chronic stiff shoulders or poor scapular mobility.

Therefore, I believe that frozen shoulder is often an extension of stiff shoulders.

Of course, not all stiff shoulders lead to frozen shoulder.

Even so, I feel that by ignoring it and thinking "it's just a stiff shoulder," there is a possibility that it could lead to future shoulder problems.

This time, I will talk about the reasons why I think this way, while also incorporating what I feel in clinical practice.

Stiff shoulders and frozen shoulder are different things

First, I want you to know that stiff shoulders and frozen shoulder are not the same thing.

Stiff shoulders are a symptom referring to tension, heaviness, or pain in the muscles around the neck and shoulders.

On the other hand, frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint.

In other words, they are considered medically distinct.

However, I do not believe these two are completely unrelated.

Frozen shoulder is an extension of stiff shoulders

In my clinical practice, many patients who come in with frozen shoulder have a history of chronic stiff shoulders or poor scapular mobility.

Therefore, I believe that frozen shoulder is often an extension of stiff shoulders.

When stiff shoulders are left untreated, the flexibility and gliding ability of the soft tissues (muscles, fascia, etc.) around the shoulder joint gradually decrease, which can make it difficult for the shoulder blade and shoulder joint to function as they should.

I feel through my daily clinical practice that when this state continues for a long time, the burden on the shoulder joint accumulates, which may increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder in the future.

Not all stiff shoulders lead to frozen shoulder.

Metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes and aging are among the various factors that can overlap to cause it.

Even so, I believe that instead of ignoring it by thinking, "It's just a stiff shoulder, it can't be helped," treating it as a sign from your body will lead to better shoulder health in the future.

What I often notice during clinical treatment

During treatment, I check the movement of the shoulder blade while gently pulling the arm.

For those with few issues in scapular movement, the soft tissues around the shoulder joint stretch naturally, so the shoulder blade maintains a relatively stable position.

On the other hand, in those with chronic stiff shoulders, the flexibility and gliding ability of the soft tissues are reduced, so they cannot stretch fully, and I often see the compensation of the shoulder blade moving instead.

For those who show such findings, I make sure to

"Your scapular movement is getting a little worse. Let's make sure to move it properly while we still can."

and thoroughly issue a warning.

Stiff shoulders are a sign from the body

Many people tend to think of stiff shoulders as something that is "common" or "unavoidable."

However, I believe that stiff shoulders are one of the signs from your body.

Of course, having stiff shoulders does not necessarily mean you will develop a frozen shoulder.

Even so, leaving stiff shoulders untreated can potentially lead to future shoulder problems.

That is why I believe it is important to re-evaluate your body at the stiff shoulder stage rather than panicking after you have already developed a frozen shoulder.

Summary

Stiff shoulders and frozen shoulder are not the same thing.

However, based on my daily clinical experience, I believe that frozen shoulder is often an extension of stiff shoulders.

Instead of enduring it by saying "it's just a stiff shoulder," having the perspective that it might be a sign your body is giving you may lead to better shoulder health in the future.

Also, the causes of and ways to improve stiff shoulders are explained in detail in the "Stiff Shoulder Dictionary" series.

Furthermore, for those who want to understand stiff shoulders through the connections of the entire body, the "Clinical Interpretation of Anatomy Trains" series is also recommended.