If my shoulder is “freezing” is there any way I can stop it?

[melonlettuce]

I think I’m getting a frozen shoulder. Pain came on over a couple of days out of nowhere, it’s not extremely painful but hurts when I lie on that side (my most usual side) so I keep waking up on my back! Reduced range of movement and some moments of intense pain when I move in certain ways.

Dr google tells me this might be the “freezing” phase of frozen shoulder ☹️ Is there anything I can actually do?

I have twice had a frozen shoulder. If you can afford it it, my advice would be to research physios to try to find one who has a particular interest in treating shoulders. (Most physios will say they treat shoulders, but look for one who advertises a specific interest in shoulders without claiming to be an expert on everything.)

I was told to pretend your nipples are firing bullets. That is the posture you want. And yes it is possible to stop it getting bad.

I had one about 8 years ago and it was agony, ended up having an op - made all the difference I now think I've got one again, which is really upsetting me. I have an underactive thyroid which can be a factor. Going to see GP tomorrow.

I had similar pain and stiffness, and for me it turned out to be linked to shoulder instability from an old injury I hadn’t thought about in years. I used the exercises to slowly build strength without overdoing it. Some of them looked too simple at first but really helped with movement and reduced the snagging feeling.

If it's not agony then it's not at a bad stage yet and you can turn it around before it is. Take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation for a couple of days so you can get it moving gently. Pilates, physio and good posture are your weekend tasks. Have you got a massage gun or tens machine? Don't too it too much as you'll irritate things but start using one of them for a few minutes and build up over a week or two. Book a back massage for a week or so too once it's a bit less irritated.

Bob and Brad on Yt have good exercises for shoulders, frozen and impingement. (RIP Bob).

I had it first in one shoulder closely followed by the other! I was told it’s a year coming, a year freezing and a year going. This is roughly how it worked out.

One shoulder was stiff and locked and the advice from private consultant. to break the adhesions, a session under anaesthetic to wrench it free!

I released both shoulders with a really helpful Pilates teacher.