What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and limiting condition that affects the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually over time and can cause significant discomfort and a decrease in the range of motion of the affected shoulder. The condition is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule, which surrounds the shoulder joint. This inflammation can lead to the development of adhesions and scar tissue within the joint capsule, resulting in the "freezing" of the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct phases:
- Freezing Phase: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness.
- Frozen Phase: Stiffness and limited mobility in the shoulder are most pronounced.
- Thawing Phase: Improvement in range of motion and pain relief. This phase can last for several months to years.
What causes frozen shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it can be associated with various factors, including:
- Age: It is more common in people over the age of 40.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders are associated with an increased risk.
- Immobilization: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, such as after surgery or injury, can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
What are symptoms of frozen shoulder?
Common symptoms of frozen shoulder can include:
- Pain: Individuals with frozen shoulder often experience a deep, aching pain in the shoulder joint, which may be more intense at night.
- Stiffness: The hallmark of frozen shoulder is restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint. Patients find it difficult to raise their arm, reach behind their back, or perform everyday activities that require shoulder mobility.
How is frozen shoulder diagnosed and treated?
The diagnosis of frozen shoulder is typically made based on a physical examination and medical history. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and stiffness.
Treatment for frozen shoulder usually involves a combination of approaches, including:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy can help improve shoulder mobility.
- Applying heat or ice to the affected shoulder can provide relief from pain and stiffness.
- In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Patients are often instructed to perform specific exercises at home to help maintain or improve range of motion.
- In some cases, a healthcare provider may use a procedure called joint distension, which involves injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch it.
In severe cases where conservative treatments are not effective, a doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery to release the joint capsule adhesions.
The recovery time for frozen shoulder can vary significantly from person to person, and it may take several months to years for the condition to fully resolve. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve outcomes and prevent further complications. It's essential for individuals with suspected frozen shoulder to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or schedule online.