Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is a condition causing stiffness and pain in the shoulder. It becomes difficult to move the shoulder over time. In this condition, the shoulder capsule thickens and turns tight and stiff. Adhesions, the thick bands of tissue develop in the shoulder. In several cases, the shoulder joint is left with less synovial fluid.
Stages of frozen shoulder
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and inability to move the affected shoulder. The condition develops in three stages:
Stage 1: Freezing
In this stage, the pain slowly aggravates and worsens the range of motion of your shoulder. Freezing lasts from six weeks to nine months.
Stage 2: Frozen
In this stage, the painful signs may improve. However, the stiffness is still there. The stage lasts for four to six months, making daily activities very difficult.
Stage 3: Thawing:
During the thawing stage, the motion of the shoulder joint improves. The condition gets back to normal or close to normal, allowing smooth motion within 6 months to 2 years.
Note: If not diagnosed on time, the symptoms worsen.
Causes of frozen shoulder
Though the exact causes are yet to be confirmed, there are a few factors that may put a person at the risk of encountering a frozen shoulder.
Diabetes: People with diabetes tend to experience a frozen shoulder with a high degree of pain and stiffness and pain that persists for a long time before ‘thawing’.
Immobilization: When a shoulder is immobilized for long because of a fracture, surgery, or other reasons, the patient may have a frozen shoulder.
Note: Other diseases that may lead to the possibilities of a frozen shoulder include hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosis of frozen shoulder
The orthopedician will start the diagnosis for the frozen shoulder after discussing the detailed symptoms and reviewing your medical history. A physical examination of the arms and shoulder is essential to detect any issues in the range of motion. It is called identifying “passive range of motion” and “active range of motion.” The results are compared – people having a frozen shoulder show limited range of both passive and active motion.
Other tests include shoulder X-rays to rule out other possible orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis.
Treatments for frozen shoulder
The common treatment options for a frozen shoulder include pain relief methods during the first stage. If the condition doesn’t improve through the stages, surgery and therapy may be required.
Some suggested treatment ways are:
- Using hot and cold compresses
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Mostly, the problem disappears with these treatment options. However, if it persists longer, an orthopedician may suggest undergoing shoulder arthroscopy or manipulation under anesthesia. For better results, both the procedures are used together.
If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms resembling that of a frozen shoulder, get an appointment booked for a detailed diagnosis.