5 Things You Need to Know if You Have Frozen Shoulder
Overview Frozen shoulder, also medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that is characterized by shoulder pain and an inability to move the shoulder. • The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, with the joint being covered in connective tissue. • Synovial fluid lubricates the joint. • When the connective tissue thickens, frozen shoulder results. • Scar tissue forms, and the synovial fluid reduces. • Shoulder pain, upper arm pain, and pain at night time are typical of this condition.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder There are three stages: the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage. • The freezing stage is characterized by pain. • The pain is progressive in nature. • The timeline for this stage is somewhere between 6 and 9 months, though it can vary. • Shoulder movement is limited, and the condition is more painful at night. • In the next stage or the frozen stage, the pain is lesser. • However, the mobility of the shoulder reduces further, and even day-to day activities might not be possible. • The timeline for this stage is around 4-12 months. • In the last stage, which is the thawing stage, shoulder mobility finally returns. • This might take about 6 months to 2 years or more.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder There are no clear causes. However, it is more common among people who come under the following categories. • Women are more prone to it than men. • Adults in the age group of 40-60 also have a greater tendency to develop it. • Any kind of shoulder injury may lead to the condition. • Diabetics have an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. • Any surgery (like a mastectomy) that limits the ability to move the shoulder can cause frozen shoulder. • People suffering from heart disease, thyroid conditions, and those recovering from a stroke are also more prone to it. • Periods of inactivity of the shoulder joint can also result in frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis • Diagnosis will start with a detailed medical history. • The doctor will then check the shoulder range of movement. • Other causes of shoulder pain will be ruled out with an x-ray or MRI.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder For frozen shoulder treatment, non-surgical treatment options are usually successful and yield good results. ● ● ● ● ●
The doctor will first give medication for pain relief. For severe cases, steroid injections will be given. They will reduce inflammation and allow shoulder movement. Application of ice packs for pain will also help. Sometimes, the doctor will inject sterile water into the joint to help stretch it. This will aid in shoulder movement. Physiotherapy will also improve joint mobility. Both stretching and strengthening exercises are recommended. The key is to do it gradually and not overdo it.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder physiotherapy often offers relief from frozen shoulder when done regularly. ●
Surgery performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) is the last option when nothing else serves the purpose.
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition for which early treatment can afford considerable pain relief. An online search with the terms “orthopedic doctor near me” will give you quite a few options to choose from.