At Harris Fowler Solicitors, we represent many clients who suffer from a wide range of physical injuries, some of which may not be immediately understood or properly diagnosed.
One such condition frequently seen in personal injury and medical negligence claims is Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with frozen shoulder following an accident or as a result of delayed or improper medical treatment, it’s important to understand how the condition may affect you or your potential legal case.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is characterised by stiffness, restricted movement, and chronic pain, which can significantly limit your ability to carry out daily activities.
The condition typically develops in three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain increases gradually, and shoulder movement becomes more limited.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce slightly, but stiffness remains and can worsen.
- Thawing Stage: Movement begins to improve, this process however can take several months or even years.
Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can occur for several reasons, including:
- Direct trauma or injury (such as a fall or road traffic accident)
- Post-surgical complications (especially if the shoulder is immobilised for a long time)
- Prolonged immobility following fractures or other skeletal injuries
- Delayed or inadequate physiotherapy
- Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or stroke
In the context of personal injury or clinical negligence, frozen shoulder may arise due to:
- Failure to diagnose a rotator cuff injury or fracture properly
- Neglect in providing physiotherapy in a timely manner
- Injuries sustained in workplace accidents, slips/trips, or road traffic collisions
Symptoms You May Experience
Clients with frozen shoulder often report:
• A Constant dull or aching pain in the shoulder
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
• Inability to lift the arm fully or perform simple tasks (dressing or reaching overhead)
• Gradual worsening of mobility
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for frozen shoulder can vary depending on the severity and stage of the condition. Common approaches include:
• Pain management (e.g., anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections)
• Physiotherapy
• Hydrodilatation (a procedure involving fluid injection to stretch the shoulder capsule)
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required
Recovery times vary. Some people recover within a year, while others may experience symptoms for up to three years or longer.
How It Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
If frozen shoulder has developed as a direct result of an accident or due to medical negligence, it could significantly increase the value and complexity of your claim.
At Harris Fowler, we work with the industries best medical experts and specialist physiotherapists to ensure:
- The full extent of your injury is properly assessed
- You receive appropriate rehabilitation
- We account for loss of earnings, care needs, and long-term impact on your quality of life.
We will build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring you are fully compensated not only for your initial injuries, but any complications that may arise du ring your recovery.
Contact Harris Fowler today for a free, no obligation consultation – 0800 213 214
