Why is resting a painful shoulder counterproductive when frozen shoulder is suspected?
Resting a painful shoulder when frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is suspected is actually counterproductive because the main problem is inflammation and subsequent contraction of the shoulder capsule. If you stop moving the shoulder, the capsule quickly becomes stiff and contracted, making it even harder and more painful to move over time. This can lead to a cycle where the less you move, the more "frozen" the shoulder becomes, and the longer it takes to recover—sometimes up to two years.
At Alloy, we emphasize that while it’s natural to want to protect a painful shoulder, keeping it moving is crucial. Early physical therapy and gentle mobility exercises help prevent the capsule from tightening further. In some cases, treatments like steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma can help reduce inflammation and make movement easier, but the key is to avoid prolonged immobility.
For a deeper dive into why movement is so important and how to manage frozen shoulder, check out this helpful video chapter: Frozen Shoulder & Musculoskeletal Symptoms with Dr. Vonda Wright.
If you’re interested in learning more about hormone therapy and its role in reducing the risk of frozen shoulder, visit our Menopause Hormone Therapy product page for details on how Alloy can support your joint and muscle health during menopause.
This answer was created using the following resources:
- Ask Dr. Vonda Wright: How Menopause Affects Your Muscles, Bones & Joints | Dr. Vonda Wright - Frozen Shoulder & Musculoskeletal Symptoms
- How to Treat Frozen Shoulder
- What is Frozen Shoulder?
- How to Stay Strong in Menopause & Beyond | Dr. Vonda Wright - Frozen Shoulder: Causes and Treatment
- Treating Frozen Shoulder | Dr. Vonda Wright - Introduction to Frozen Shoulder
- Have you read the National Geographic article about frozen shoulder and menopause? - Introduction to Frozen Shoulder