Frozen Shoulder- Symptoms, Causes and More

Frozen shoulder is a common condition in which the shoulder stiffens, reducing its mobility. It commonly affects people aged between 40 and 60 years, and it is more likely in women than in men. It is estimated to affect about 3 percent of people. It can affect one or both shoulders. It's important to note that while the condition can be frustrating and slow to resolve, with proper treatment and exercises, most people can regain full use of their shoulder over time.

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What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move. It happens when the tissues around the shoulder joint thicken and tighten, limiting its range of motion. It can be caused by injury, prolonged immobility, or underlying health conditions. Treatment involves exercises, medication, or in some cases, surgery to relieve pain and restore movement. Recovery may take several months to years.
 

Stages Of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages, each characterized by specific symptoms and duration. These stages are :

Freezing Stage: During this phase, individuals experience a slow buildup of pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Movements become increasingly restricted, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back.

Frozen Stage: In this stage, stiffness in the shoulder becomes more severe, severely limiting range of motion. Despite the heightened stiffness, the intensity of pain typically decreases compared to the freezing stage, though mobility remains significantly impaired.

Thawing Stage: The thawing stage marks a gradual improvement in shoulder movement and function. Range of motion begins to return slowly, allowing individuals to regain the ability to perform more activities with less discomfort. This phase can span several months to years as the shoulder continues to recover and regain full mobility.

The freezing and frozen stages can be particularly challenging due to pain and restricted mobility, affecting daily activities and quality of life. However, with appropriate treatment such as physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections or surgery in severe cases, most individuals can achieve significant improvement in shoulder function over time. 

Symptoms Of Having A Frozen Shoulder

Having a frozen shoulder, manifests with distinct symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. It's important to recognize these symptoms early for timely intervention. Common indicators include:

Pain: Persistent, dull aching pain in the shoulder that worsens with movement.

Stiffness: Gradual onset of stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to perform routine activities such as reaching overhead or behind the back.

Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder, especially in certain directions like reaching across the body or lifting the arm.

Sleeping Discomfort: Individuals with frozen shoulders may struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position, especially when attempting to lie on the affected side. This discomfort can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue, affecting overall well-being and daily functioning.

These symptoms typically progress through stages, starting with mild discomfort and stiffness and advancing to severe limitations in shoulder mobility. Recognizing these signs early and seeking medical evaluation can lead to effective treatment strategies aimed at managing pain, improving shoulder mobility, and preventing further progression of the condition.

Causes Of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, develops when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens around the joint, restricting its movement. This condition can arise from various factors such as injury, prolonged immobilization, or underlying medical conditions.

Most common causes of frozen shoulder include:

Injury or Trauma: Previous shoulder injury or surgery can lead to inflammation and scar tissue formation.

Prolonged Immobility: Keeping the shoulder still for long periods, such as after surgery or due to a medical condition, can cause the shoulder tissues to stiffen.

Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular disease are associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulders.

Being familiar with the causes of frozen shoulder can help in early diagnosis which can further  help manage frozen shoulder symptoms effectively, potentially minimizing pain, improving range of motion, and speeding up recovery times, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
 

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition:

Age and Gender: As mentioned earlier, it's more common in people between 40 and 60 years old, particularly in women.

Diabetes: People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulders.

Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of having frozen shoulders.

Cardiovascular Disease: Heart disease and stroke have been associated with a higher incidence of frozen shoulder.

Parkinson's Disease: This neurological condition may increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulders.

Prolonged Immobility: Extended periods of shoulder immobility due to injury, surgery, or illness can lead to frozen shoulder.

Wall climbs: Stand facing a wall and use your fingers to "climb" the wall, going as high as comfortable.

Armpit stretch: Using your good arm, lift the affected arm onto a shelf about breast-high. Gently bend your knees, opening up the armpit.

Door lean: Stand in an open doorway with your arms on the door frame. Lean forward to feel a stretch in the front of your shoulders.
 

Always remember to consult a physiotherapist before adopting any exercises if you have a frozen shoulder, as they can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific condition. This ensures that you engage in safe and effective exercises that promote healing and improve shoulder mobility without exacerbating pain or causing further injury.

Treatment Options

Treatment for frozen shoulders aims to reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility. The treatment options for frozen shoulder include:

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Physical therapy: A structured exercise program can help improve shoulder flexibility and strength.

Corticosteroid injections: These can provide temporary pain relief and improve range of motion.

Hydro dilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.

Treatment options for frozen shoulders are diverse and aimed at reducing pain while restoring shoulder mobility. Consulting with a healthcare provider at the best orthopedic hospital in Noida ensures a tailored treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and enhances recovery. 

Prevention Strategies

While it's not always possible to prevent frozen shoulders, adopting proactive strategies can significantly mitigate the risk of developing this condition.

Regular exercise: Maintaining shoulder mobility through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.

Proper posture: Practicing good posture to reduce strain on the shoulder joints.

Managing chronic conditions: Keeping conditions like diabetes well-controlled can help reduce the risk of complications like frozen shoulders.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While frozen shoulder often resolves on its own, you should consult a doctor if:

• Pain is severe or worsening

• Symptoms persist beyond a few weeks

• You experience sudden loss of movement in your shoulder

• You have a history of shoulder injuries or conditions

Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, presents a significant challenge due to its debilitating effects on shoulder mobility and daily life. Caused by factors such as injury, prolonged immobility, and underlying health conditions like diabetes, its symptoms progress through stages of pain and stiffness, impacting sleep and daily activities. Treatment options range from physical therapy and medication to more invasive procedures like corticosteroid injections or surgery in severe cases. If you're seeking frozen shoulder treatment in Noida, Felix Hospital has extensive expertise and experience in this field.

Ease your frozen shoulder with expert care – call +91 9667064100 now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the reason for frozen shoulder?

Ans. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed, thickened, and tight, restricting shoulder movement. This can be triggered by injury, prolonged immobilization, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

2) What not to do with frozen shoulder?

Ans. Avoid activities that exacerbate pain and strain the shoulder joint, such as sudden or repetitive overhead movements. It's important to refrain from ignoring pain or overworking the shoulder, as this can prolong recovery and worsen symptoms.

3) What is the fastest way to heal a frozen shoulder?

Ans. The fastest way to heal a frozen shoulder involves a combination of treatments tailored to the individual, including physical therapy to improve range of motion, pain-relieving medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Early intervention and consistent adherence to prescribed exercises and therapies can expedite recovery.

4) Is heat good for frozen shoulder?

Ans. Heat therapy can be beneficial for relieving stiffness and improving circulation in the shoulder joint. Applying a warm compress or using heat packs for 15-20 minutes at a time can help relax muscles and ease discomfort, particularly before engaging in gentle stretching exercises.

5) Can a frozen shoulder heal by itself?

Ans. While frozen shoulder can resolve on its own over time, the recovery process can be slow, often taking anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Seeking appropriate medical care, including physical therapy and pain management, can accelerate healing and improve outcomes.

6) How long will a frozen shoulder last?

Ans. The duration of a frozen shoulder varies from person to person. Typically, it progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing, each lasting several months. Overall, the condition can persist for 1 to 3 years, during which symptoms gradually improve with proper treatment and management.