Jane, a patient of Vanessa Walker, a physical therapist and board-certified massage and bodywork therapist, presented with a frozen shoulder mainly due to prolonged immobility after having surgery a couple of months prior. She had significant stiffness and pain, and described numerous ways the condition was affecting her quality of life, including not getting sufficient sleep—she was severely fatigued at the onset of physical therapy. The therapy resulted in significantly reduced pain, increased range of motion, and diminished fatigue.
Research estimates that 2 to 5 percent of the population has frozen shoulder. Characterized by pain and progressive stiffness that restricts range of motion, the condition can make performing everyday activities difficult. While most people’s symptoms disappear within 12 to 18 months in response to nonsurgical treatment, sometimes surgery is necessary.
