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

Rotator cuff tear: tendon rupture in the shoulder, 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.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Many thanks to Tamara! She is super competent and was able to relieve my pain after a short time.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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I am infinitely satisfied with the consultation, treatment, and support. Thank you.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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I can fully recommend Waidfuss Physiotherapy in Wipkingen. The entire team is super friendly. I immediately felt in good hands. The treatment was very effective. In addition, I was taught important knowledge about my complaints and how to manage them. The exercises for home were also efficient. They were designed in such a way that you could tell the therapists are interested in the long-term success of the patient. On top of that, the Waidfuss team was extremely motivating. Thank you very much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Silvan Schweizer 
 
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I went here for rehab after my ACL tear surgery and felt very well cared for. I liked the competent, focused, but also humorous approach to the therapy. Every session was different, with modern approaches and various exercises. Top!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ralph Füglister 
 
134 days ago
 
 
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I am very satisfied with the treatment at Physiotherapie Waidfuss Wipkingen & Höngg. The entire team is friendly, professional, and really takes the time for their patients. You feel taken seriously and are in the best of hands. The therapies have noticeably helped me, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Absolute recommendation!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Thomas Baumgartner 
 
276 days ago
 
 
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Philipp is amazing, he really knows his stuff – I can highly recommend him. He knows all the techniques and tricks, and the wonderful and GOOD thing is that it always helps, even if it hurts a little. It's great how you operate – goal-oriented – healing!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Pascal Steck 
 
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I had two injuries, both of which were treated in a flash. Super professional, competent, and just very nice people. Thank you very much for everything!

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I can only highly recommend Philipp Schröder! He is very competent, addresses the complaints and needs precisely, is up-to-date, and is a super pleasant person!
His diverse tips and exercises are simple and can also be applied quickly in between.
He focuses on long-term and sustainable improvement and stability. Not only for the current complaints, but for the entire body. Many thanks Philipp!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Lavdim Miftari 
 
371 days ago
 
 
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I had severe pain in my left shoulder, a burning, really uncomfortable pain that was very debilitating. After just the second treatment with my physiotherapist Philipp, the pain was almost gone.

He is truly a superman: very competent, with a lot of experience, big strong hands, and the right sense of what to do. The treatment not only helped me, but also was fun because he remained attentive, listened, and engaged in conversation instead of simply doing his work in silence for 30 minutes.

A very, very good man; I never thought my pain could go away so quickly.

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.

Self-help: Everyday practical tips for a quieter 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.

When should you have a medical or physical therapy consultation?

Have the shoulder examined promptly if mobility rapidly and noticeably decreases, severe pain persists even at night or at rest, or the symptoms occurred after a fall or injury – in these cases, a structural injury must first be ruled out.

In addition to individual therapy, our Manual therapy aiming specifically to restore mobility in a gentle way.

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), we will guide you through all stages of the disease. Contact us online for a thorough assessment and your individual treatment plan!