Frozen Shoulder Management with the Spencer Technique

Introduction to Frozen Shoulder

• High incidence (up to 72%) of shoulder pain occurs in certain populations, such as stroke patients, with common causes including adhesive capsulitis, traction/compression neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, shoulder trauma, bursitis/tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, and heterotrophic ossification 1, 2, 3

Physical Therapy Components

• Stretching and mobilization, focusing on external rotation and abduction movements, can prevent frozen shoulder progression 1, 3
• Avoiding overhead pulleys is recommended as they encourage uncontrolled abduction and can increase pain 1, 3
• Early exercise intervention can prevent frozen shoulder development and promote recovery 4

Adjunctive Treatments

• Functional electrical stimulation may improve shoulder lateral rotation 1, 3
• Intra-articular injections, such as triamcinolone injections, can significantly reduce pain 1, 3

Clinical Considerations

• Lateral rotation range has been identified as the factor most significantly related to shoulder pain onset 1, 3
• Avoiding immobilization, such as shoulder immobilization with arm slings and wraps, can contribute to frozen shoulder development 4
• Early intervention with physical therapy should begin as soon as possible to prevent progression 4
• Staff education on preventing trauma to the affected shoulder is crucial 1, 3