Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The condition typically develops in three stages—freezing, frozen, and thawing—and can significantly limit mobility and cause discomfort. The exact cause of a frozen shoulder remains unclear, though it is often linked to previous shoulder injuries, diabetes, and other underlying conditions. Treatment typically includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. It develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting the movement of the shoulder. While anyone can develop a frozen shoulder, it is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 and those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.

The condition typically progresses through three distinct stages:

• Freezing stage: Pain gradually worsens, and movement becomes restricted.
• Frozen stage: Pain may subside, but stiffness continues, limiting motion.
• Thawing stage: Flexibility and function begin to improve.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The primary symptoms of a frozen shoulder include:

• Pain: One of the first symptoms of a frozen shoulder is pain around the shoulder joint. This pain typically worsens at night and can interfere with sleep.
• Stiffness: As the condition progresses, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff. This stiffness makes it challenging to perform everyday activities like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or rotating the arm.
• Limited range of motion: You may notice that the shoulder is unable to move freely, especially in certain directions. The movement becomes restricted, causing difficulty with basic tasks.
• Shoulder pain radiating down the arm: In some cases, the pain from the frozen shoulder can radiate down the arm or extend to the neck, adding to the discomfort.

If you are experiencing frozen shoulder symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to understand the best course of treatment and to avoid further complications.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still not entirely understood, but several factors may contribute to the condition:

• Injury or Surgery: Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries may cause immobility, leading to joint capsule thickening.
• Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. People with diabetes are particularly at risk and may experience more severe symptoms.
• Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people aged 40-60, with women being more likely to develop the condition than men.
• Immobilisation: Lack of movement due to an injury or surgery is another significant risk factor for developing a frozen shoulder. Prolonged immobility of the shoulder joint can lead to stiffening and adhesions in the capsule.
• Inflammation: In some cases, inflammation in the joint lining can contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

The treatment for frozen shoulder is aimed at relieving pain, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion. The treatment approach will depend on the severity of the condition and the stage of the frozen shoulder. The most common treatments include:

• Physical Therapy: The primary treatment for a frozen shoulder is physical therapy. Exercises to gently stretch and strengthen the shoulder can help restore mobility and reduce pain. These exercises focus on improving the shoulder’s range of motion and preventing stiffness.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may recommend stronger pain medications or corticosteroid injections for more severe pain and inflammation.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Cold compresses are typically used during the initial inflammation phase, while heat therapy may be helpful during the recovery stage.
• Joint Mobilisation: In more advanced cases, a doctor may perform joint mobilisation techniques to stretch and loosen the shoulder capsule and improve movement.
• Hydrodilatation: This involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to help stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a frozen shoulder. This may include shoulder manipulation (where the doctor moves the shoulder joint to loosen the capsule under anaesthesia) or arthroscopic surgery to remove scar tissue.

When to See a Doctor?

It’s essential to see an orthopaedic doctor if the following occurs:

• Severe shoulder pain that is not improving with rest or over-the-counter medications.
• Difficulty moving your shoulder or experiencing a reduced range of motion.
• Pain that limits your ability to perform daily activities or impacts your work.

Seeking medical attention is critical, particularly if the pain is severe, interferes with daily activities, or causes difficulty sleeping. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan can help prevent the condition from worsening.

If you are seeking the guidance of the best orthopaedic doctor in Bangalore, please visit SPARSH. We are known as a renowned orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore because of our team of experienced orthopaedic doctors who provide effective treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis can be a challenging condition, but with proper care, it is often treatable. Early diagnosis, physical therapy, and pain management are essential for restoring shoulder function. The recovery process may take time, but most individuals can fully recover or see significant improvements in mobility with consistent treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of frozen shoulder?

The main cause of frozen shoulder is inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule. It often occurs after an injury or prolonged immobility.

What is the fastest way to heal a frozen shoulder?

The fastest way to heal a frozen shoulder is through consistent physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections.

What deficiency causes frozen shoulder?

While there is no direct link to vitamin deficiencies, frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid disorders, which can influence the overall healing process.

Can frozen shoulder recover by itself?

In some cases, a frozen shoulder may improve on its own over time, but treatment like physical therapy is typically necessary to speed up recovery and restore range of motion.