In my clinical experience, frozen shoulder is cause by the chronic  residual build-up of inflammation caused of any untreated shoulder injuries, this leads to a compensatory build up of calcium in the area in attempt to decrease the acidity caused by the ongoing inflammatory response, as a result the surrounding soft tissue support becomes compromised initiating the development of this disease. Hence, is paramount to efficiently treat any shoulder injuries to prevent  frozen shoulder.

Apart from the ligamentous shortening, there are key misalignments associated with this condition

Posterior scapula and Anterior fixed shoulder misalignments

Is important to note that for the ligament to become injured, the previous defence mechanism have to have failed to allow the biomechanical stress to damage the ligament, therefore, the treatment care must aim to restore the health of the entire shoulder complex protective structures.

Assessment Protocol

The entire upper extremity biomechanical chain must be evaluated as per the neurological and mechanical influences of the spine, elbow, and hand.

Clinical assessment to identify the key dysfunctions of the shoulder complex that have contributed to this condition. Soft tissue analysis to pinpoint the level of irritation in the ligaments.

X-ray

Anterior – Posterior (AP) shoulder view is essential to analyse the level and direction of the different patterns of shoulder misalignments

MRI

Shoulder MRI is essential for visualizing the extent of injury on the muscle/tendon and ligamentous layers.

Locate the exact injury point; Allows the treatment to be more specific during the application of the treatment modalities

Identify the extent of tissue damage and the presence of scar tissue; Provides valuable information regarding prognosis and the application of friction soft tissue modalities to aid on scar tissue removal.

Treatment protocol

Specific shoulder adjustments followed by a rehabilitation regime to strengthen the entire soft tissue support of the shoulder .

Application of Low-level Laser and PEMF to aid on the cellular level of heling as well as improving the microcirculation for the area.

Friction soft tissue therapy helps to reduce dysfunctional scar tissue

Specific selected essential oil application to enhance healing

Depending on level of misalignment and chronicity a minimum of 6 weeks up to 12 weeks of treatment care may be necessary to resolve this deformity.