What does frozen shoulder pain feel like?

What frozen shoulder pain is like

Knowing the symptoms can help keep you informed on frozen shoulder pain. You may wonder what frozen shoulder pain is like. The answer is not necessarily simple. Frozen shoulder pain can manifest differently from one person to the next — what it feels like can depend on the individual. However, there are some common sensations reported by patients dealing with this issue. Below are some characteristics typical of frozen shoulder:

• Deep ache — Frozen shoulder pain is often described as involving a deep ache. This ache tends to persist constantly. Aching pain can be felt both in motion and at rest. This can cause continuous discomfort. The persistence of this pain can limit your ability to perform daily tasks.

• Shoulder stiffness — Stiffness is another classic symptom. What frozen shoulder pain is like is having the shoulder joint literally frozen. Stiffness and aching can accompany immobility in the shoulder. Sensations of stiffness in the shoulder can be due to inflammation in the joint. These sensations are often most intense during the early stages of frozen shoulder. 

• Pain at night — Frozen shoulder pain is persistent. The pain can last through day and night. Stiffness and aching can actually increase at night. This can make it difficult to find a suitable sleeping position. The constant discomfort can disrupt sleep, hurting your ability to rest. 

• Limited motion — The shoulder’s range of motion can be significantly restricted by frozen shoulder. This symptom often comes with the experience of aches and pains. A reduced range of motion can make completing tasks difficult. This can include even simple things like getting dressed and brushing your hair. Activities involving raising or rotating the arm are the most affected.

• Muscle spasms — Frozen shoulder pain can also come with muscle spasms. Unlike the persistent pain, these spasms are sudden and quick. Like stiffness, these spasms often come in the first stages of frozen shoulder. Muscle spasms can cause brief but intense pain at random intervals.

Ways to address frozen shoulder pain

Frozen shoulder pain can seriously impact a person’s quality of life. With constant aches and immobility, it can make everyday routines practically impossible. If you are suffering from frozen shoulder pain, it is important to take the next step to address these symptoms. What addressing frozen shoulder pain is like is melting away a block of ice. It can take time, but it can dissolve your discomfort and help you move freely again. An effective treatment plan can help alleviate symptoms and lead to recovery.

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can include a range of treatments. With the help of a physical therapist, you can build a treatment plan designed to effectively address your pain. Physical therapy sessions can help manage your recovery and keep you on target. Another way physical therapy can help is with comprehensive evaluations. A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) can help determine whether you can work while suffering from frozen shoulder pain. 
• Targeted exercise — Exercises can be a good way to reduce inflammation in the shoulder. This can help lead to recovery from frozen shoulder pain. Therapeutic exercises can specifically target the inflamed tissue, making your exercises precise and effective. A physical therapist can prescribe certain exercises to effectively combat frozen shoulder. 
• Manual therapy — Another great approach to frozen shoulder is manual therapy. This hands-on technique allows physical therapy specialists to mobilize tissue. Mobilization can improve circulation and promote healing. It can also reduce restriction by increasing blood flow. When administered by an expert specialist, this approach can lead to relief from frozen shoulder symptoms.

Armor Physical Therapy can help address your frozen shoulder pain

Want to find out what frozen shoulder pain recovery is like? With Armor Physical Therapy, you can experience it firsthand. Our expert team of physical therapists is ready to help you. As a premier facility for quality care, we work with you to ensure that your goals are met. Our specialists can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan for your frozen shoulder pain.

Contact us today for more information about treating frozen shoulder pain or to schedule an initial appointment.