Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a loss of mobility with increasing pain. But that definition doesn’t really explain what’s happening. If you break the word down, it becomes quite clear what the problem is. Once you clearly understand the problem, the solution becomes much easier. Adhesive=sticky, capsule=joint, itis=inflammation.
So, adhesive capsulitis is a way of saying you have a sticky, inflamed joint. In the case of frozen shoulder, that joint is your gleno-humeral joint. What you’re dealing with is a thickening and tightening of the joint capsule around the gleno-humeral joint. That capsule allows the humeral head to glide and rotate smoothly in the socket. The capsule also provides stability for the joint. When it becomes restricted, the joint loses its ability to move freely, and everything around it starts to compensate
Treatment.
A lot of treatment approaches focus on forcing range of motion back into the shoulder. The problem with that is you’re working against a joint that has lost space, hydration, and proper mechanics. If you don’t address those things first, you’re often just pushing into resistance.
One of the first things I focus on is restoring movement at the joint level through specific pumping of the glenohumeral joint. When I say pumping, I’m referring to a rhythmic, controlled loading and unloading of the joint surfaces. This does a couple of things. It helps stimulate the production and movement of synovial fluid, which is essentially the joint’s lubrication system. It also helps clear out inflammatory byproducts that tend to accumulate when a joint isn’t moving well. You’re not forcing motion here—you’re improving the environment of the joint so that motion can start to return.
Fascial Chains.
From there, we look at the tissues that cross the shoulder. When muscles and fascia around the joint become tight or dense, they create a constant pull on the humeral head. This leads to a coaptation issue. where the joint is being compressed or pulled into a position that limits its ability to move. Instead of isolating a single muscle, we use myofascial stretching to address entire chains that influence the shoulder. The goal is to reduce that constant tension so the joint can re-center and move more freely.
The Scapulas role.
The position of the shoulder joint is heavily influenced by the scapula. If the scapula isn’t able to move and stabilize properly, the glenohumeral joint doesn’t have a solid base to work from. That’s why we spend time working on the scapula itself, using both pumping techniques and proprioceptive work to improve how it moves and how the body senses its position. ELDOA is useful here as well, particularly for the clavicle and the upper thoracic spine, because it helps restore space and alignment in the structures that support the shoulder girdle. When those areas are functioning better, the shoulder has a much easier time doing its job.
Treat the whole body.
In this particular case, once the shoulder began to improve, we were also able to address a chronic hip issue. The same principles apply. We used pumping and ELDOA for the sacroiliac joint to improve movement and positioning. The SI joint is supported by a number of strong ligaments, and those ligaments are full of proprioceptors. They provide constant feedback to the nervous system about the position of the joint. When the joint isn’t moving well or is under constant stress, that feedback becomes less accurate, and the body starts to compensate.
By improving the movement at the SI joint and restoring better proprioceptive input, you can change how the body organizes itself around that joint. That tends to reduce strain not just locally, but throughout the entire system.
When you take this approach—improving joint mechanics, restoring tissue quality, and retraining the body’s sense of position—you’re not trying to force the body to change. You’re giving it the inputs it needs to reorganize. In cases like adhesive capsulitis, that’s often what’s missing.
ELDOA is useful here as well, particularly for the clavicle and the upper thoracic spine, because it helps restore space and alignment in the structures that support the shoulder girdle. If you want a deeper understanding of how this works beyond just mobility, I’ve written more about it here.
Wrapping it up.
Clearly understanding the problem is always the first step. Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can choose the proper tools for the job. It is important to take the time to emphasize the problem area within the context of the whole body. Remember, you are a system of systems that must operate in harmony for a functional and healthy body. Check out our Frozen Shoulder Testimonials.
Cathy Stemper, Age 58
TJ is a miracle worker. I came to him for a frozen shoulder and pinched nerves in my neck which caused shooting pain down my left arm. I had tried everything I could think of before he was recommended to me. I had tried PT with different people, dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, exercises galore and even PRP (platelet replacement procedure) to help my body try to heal itself. Nothing worked.
I went to see an orthopedic surgeon, who said I probably needed surgery, but that I could continue to try PT if I wanted to avoid being in one of those shoulder braces that would hold my arm at a right angle from my body. Even after the surgery, he said I would need to have PT for 3-4 months. I opted for trying the PT with TJ which the surgeon said would only work 50% of the time.
It took TJ only three months to get me to a 90% range of motion. He gave me very specific exercises and videos to help me get the most out of my workout. I did these diligently at home between my twice weekly sessions. He has taught me many, many things about my body, and has encouraged me to try various alternative techniques on myself, such as cupping, dry needling, and band work. He has helped me help myself!
My shoulder feels awesome, and I am back to tennis and golf.
Now we’re working on my hips, knees and feet. I expect great results in these areas too! TJ is truly a miracle worker!
