Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the shoulder joint. This condition leads to stiffness and limited movement, often restricting daily activities. With an estimated 3% of the general population suffering from frozen shoulders, it is essential for both patients and healthcare providers to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for this condition.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight. This inflammation results in restricted movement and intense pain, especially when trying to move the arm. The condition usually develops slowly in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. In the “freezing” stage, the pain begins and the range of motion is progressively limited. The “frozen” stage is characterized by severe stiffness, and during the “thawing” phase, movement gradually returns.

Symptoms and Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The primary symptoms of frozen shoulder include pain, especially at night, and the gradual loss of motion. The pain is typically felt in the outer shoulder and can radiate down the upper arm. The condition is most common in people aged 40-60, and women are at a higher risk. Several factors can contribute to frozen shoulders, including:

• Age and Gender: People between 40 and 60 years old, particularly women, are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk.
• Injury or Surgery: Previous shoulder injuries or surgery that restrict movement may lead to frozen shoulder.

Understanding these factors can help in early detection and management of the condition.

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

A thorough clinical evaluation is the first step in diagnosing frozen shoulder. The doctor will assess the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination to check the range of motion and identify areas of tenderness. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to rule out other shoulder conditions, such as arthritis or rotator cuff tears. These tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and stiffness.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

Most cases of frozen shoulders can be effectively treated without surgery. The treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and preventing long-term disability. Common non-surgical treatments include:

• Physical Therapy: The cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment, physical therapy involves a combination of stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises. It helps break the cycle of pain and stiffness and improves shoulder mobility.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. For more severe pain, doctors may prescribe stronger medications.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs to the shoulder can help manage pain and inflammation, providing comfort during the healing process.
• Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage can help relieve muscle tension around the shoulder joint and improve mobility.

Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

While most people recover with conservative treatments, some individuals may require surgery if their condition doesn’t improve after several months or if the pain becomes debilitating. Surgical options include:

• Shoulder Manipulation: Under anesthesia, the doctor will move the shoulder joint in various directions to break up scar tissue and loosen the joint.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure involves using a small camera to guide the removal of scar tissue and release the tight shoulder capsule. This approach is used when other treatments have not been effective.

Surgical options are typically reserved for more severe cases of frozen shoulders that do not respond to non-surgical interventions.

Recovery and Long-Term Management

Recovery from frozen shoulder depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. After physical therapy or surgery, the patient will likely need to continue exercises to regain strength and flexibility in the shoulder. Full recovery can take several months to a year, and it is crucial to adhere to a structured rehabilitation plan to avoid relapse.

To maintain shoulder health, it’s essential to engage in regular exercise, focus on maintaining a healthy weight, and address underlying medical conditions that might contribute to frozen shoulders.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, there are several steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk. These include:

• Maintaining Shoulder Mobility: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help keep the shoulder joint flexible and reduce stiffness.
• Managing Health Conditions: Properly managing diabetes and other related health conditions can decrease the likelihood of developing frozen shoulders.
• Avoiding Shoulder Immobilization: Prolonged immobility following surgery or injury can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. It’s essential to follow a rehabilitation plan to keep the joint moving.