Call us
044 585 99 49
Mail us
info@physio-waidfuss.ch
Visit us
Hönggerstrasse 118
Book an appointment
from 8-12 and 13-17 o'clock

Frozen Shoulder: When the shoulder freezes and the nights become agony

frozen shoulder, shoulder pain

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder: When the shoulder freezes and the nights become agony

Do you feel like your arm is stuck? A careless movement when putting on a jacket or reaching for the seatbelt in the car suddenly triggers stabbing pain. Especially at night, your shoulder deprives you of sleep. If the joint is increasingly stiffening, the diagnosis is often: Frozen Shoulder (also Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder).

This condition requires a tremendous amount of patience from those affected. But the good news first: it generally heals completely. The only important thing is that we treat the joint in the right phase with the right stimuli.

How do I proceed in case of a frozen shoulder?

The Three Phases of Frozen Shoulder: Where Are You?

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three overlapping stages that can last up to two years in total.

  • Phase 1: Freezing. The inflammation in the joint capsule is acute. The cardinal symptom: Shoulder pain at night and an extreme, stabbing pain with almost every movement. The joint is beginning to stiffen.frozen shoulder, shoulder pain

  • Phase 2: The Frozen Phase. The pain is slowly subsiding, but the shoulder is now massively stiff. Movements above shoulder height are often impossible.

  • Phase 3: Thawing. The inflammation has subsided, the capsule is gradually loosening, and the range of motion is returning month by month.

Why aggressive stretching in phase 1 is harmful

In the first phase, your central nervous system is on extreme alert due to the inflammation. The brain sends a clear signal: „Danger! Do not move!“ Anyone who tries to forcefully stretch the shoulder in this phase is literally adding fuel to the fire. The nervous system reacts with even more muscle guarding.

Here in physical therapy, we initially focus on unloading, gentle manual techniques, and a holistic perspective. When the shoulder hurts, the cervical spine or rib cage often compensates. We release tension in the neck and torso to take the stress off the shoulder. Only in the „frozen“ and „thawing“ phases do we begin with targeted neurocentric training, specific stimuli, and the so-called Nerve gliding (neurodynamics), to rid the brain of the fear of movement and to regain mobility.

Practical everyday tips for a more peaceful night

  • The correct sleeping position: Lie on your healthy side and hug a thick cushion with the affected arm. This prevents the shoulder from dropping forward and putting the joint capsule under tension.frozen shoulder, rehabilitation and new developments in physical therapy

  • The gentle swinging: Lean on a table with your healthy arm, bend your upper body forward slightly, and let the affected arm hang completely relaxed. Now swing it gently back and forth without any muscle power (like an elephant's trunk). This gently relaxes the joint capsule and relieves acute pain.

Your way out of the pain spiral in Zurich Do you suspect you are suffering from adhesive capsulitis? Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. The team at Physiotherapy Waidfuss in Zurich (near Wipkingen and Höngg) guides you safely through all phases of the illness. Contact us for a thorough diagnosis and your individual therapy plan!