Painful movement
Discuss the activities that hurt and how the problem began.
Frozen Shoulder · Shelton, Connecticut
When your shoulder
limits your day.
Reaching behind your back or raising your arm can become difficult when shoulder stiffness builds. Get a clearer understanding of the restriction and your next step.
Understand the condition
Frozen shoulder involves more than soreness.
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and restricted movement as the shoulder capsule becomes tight. It is different from a rotator cuff problem, although both can make everyday movement uncomfortable. An examination helps distinguish the causes.
Increasing stiffness
Describe any changes in reaching overhead, dressing or reaching behind your back.
A gradual course
Recovery can take a long time. Progress should be assessed against your own movement and function.
Your evaluation
Make your visit
about your situation.
Your history and assessment of shoulder motion help guide the evaluation. Tell us about previous surgery, periods of immobilization, diabetes and prior treatment. Bring any records you already have so the discussion starts with your individual situation.
Explain what you would like to do more comfortably, whether that means work, sleep, exercise or everyday tasks. Your goals help focus the conversation.
Meet Dr. Dalfino →Care planning
Choose the next step
with a clearer picture.
Restoring movement is a central part of frozen shoulder care, often through a guided flexibility and rehabilitation program. Our evaluation helps determine whether services here fit your needs or whether coordinated care or referral is more appropriate. The pace should reflect your symptoms and stage of recovery.
When to seek prompt medical attention
Do not assume sudden shoulder pain after an injury is frozen shoulder. Prompt assessment is important for major weakness, deformity, or a red, hot joint with fever. Chest pressure or breathlessness with shoulder pain warrants emergency care.
Common questions
A little more clarity.
Is every stiff shoulder frozen shoulder?
No. Other joint and tendon problems can restrict movement. An examination helps determine what is causing the stiffness.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Recovery is often gradual and may take months to years. There is no single timeline or guaranteed number of visits.
Should I force my shoulder through painful movements?
Discuss an appropriate movement plan with your clinician. Exercise intensity and range should be tailored to your symptoms rather than forcing painful stretches.
Related care
Keep exploring.
Meet your doctor
Dr. James J. Dalfino →
Your next step
Start with a conversation.
Leave with a direction.
Schedule an individual consultation and examination at our Shelton center. Bring your questions, your records and the goals that matter to you.
$99 New Patient Special
Consultation, examination, report of findings and first treatment when appropriate.
Schedule My New Patient Visit2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 208 · Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 922-9277
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this practice or its services. Individual recommendations require an examination.