Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is characterized by stiffness, pain, and a progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This condition is most common among individuals aged 40 to 60 and occurs more frequently in women than men. Understanding the three stages of frozen shoulder can help patients and healthcare providers manage the condition more effectively.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of motion. It is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue that provides stability while enabling movement. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to pain and stiffness.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it is often associated with:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Prolonged immobility due to injury, surgery, or illness
• Autoimmune diseases

Frozen Shoulder symptoms

The primary symptoms include:

• Gradual onset of pain in the shoulder joint
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, or lifting objects

The three stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Each stage has unique characteristics and durations.

Stage 1: Freezing Stage (First 3 Months)

The freezing stage is the initial phase and typically lasts for the first three months. During this stage:

• The shoulder joint experiences severe inflammation, leading to extreme pain.
• The pain often worsens at night, disrupting sleep.
• Movement becomes increasingly limited due to pain and stiffness.

Stage 2: Frozen Stage (3-9 Months)

The frozen stage lasts between three to nine months. During this phase:

• The pain starts to decrease but the stiffness in the shoulder joint becomes more pronounced.
• Patients may find it difficult to perform daily activities such as reaching for items, combing hair, or getting dressed.
• Despite reduced pain, the loss of mobility can be highly frustrating and impact the quality of life.

Stage 3: Thawing Stage (12-24 Months)

The thawing stage is the final phase and can last from 12 to 24 months or even longer in some cases. During this stage:

• The pain and stiffness gradually subside.
• Range of motion slowly improves as the inflammation resolves.
• Some patients may regain full mobility, while others may experience residual stiffness.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always known, certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition:

1. Medical Conditions:
   • Diabetes is one of the most common risk factors, with approximately 10-20% of diabetic patients developing frozen shoulder.
   • Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also contribute to the condition.
2. Injury or Surgery:
   • Prolonged immobility following shoulder injuries or surgeries can lead to adhesive capsulitis.
3. Age and Gender:
   • Frozen shoulder is most prevalent in individuals aged 40 to 60 and is more common in women than men.
4. Other Conditions:
   • Autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and Parkinson’s disease have been linked to a higher risk of frozen shoulder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing frozen shoulder involves:

• Medical History: Reviewing symptoms and medical conditions such as diabetes or previous injuries.
• Physical Examination: Assessing pain and range of motion through specific movements.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions such as arthritis or rotator cuff tears.

Frozen Shoulder treatment

Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to relieve pain and restore mobility. The options include:

1. Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce pain and inflammation.
• In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to alleviate severe pain.

2. Physical Therapy:

• Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, focusing on exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the shoulder.
• Gentle stretching and joint mobilization techniques are commonly used.

3. Home Exercises:

• Regularly performing home exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can help speed up recovery.

4. Heat and Ice Therapy:

• Applying heat packs before stretching can loosen the shoulder joint, while ice packs can reduce inflammation and pain.

5. Surgical Intervention:

• If conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.

Prevention

Preventing frozen shoulder involves:

• Keeping the shoulder joint active through regular movement and exercises.
• Seeking early treatment for shoulder pain or injuries to prevent prolonged immobility.
• Managing underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders effectively.

Living with Frozen Shoulder

It can be a challenging condition to live with due to the prolonged recovery period and its impact on daily life. However, adopting the following strategies can help:

1. Stay Active: Perform gentle exercises to maintain mobility and prevent further stiffness.
2. Seek Support: Joining support groups or talking to others with similar experiences can provide emotional encouragement.
3. Patience is Key: Recovery from frozen shoulder takes time, and it is essential to remain patient and consistent with treatment.

Frozen shoulder is a painful and debilitating condition that progresses through three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help patients regain their mobility. By understanding the condition, managing risk factors, and adhering to a tailored treatment plan, individuals can navigate their recovery journey effectively.

To consult a Orthopedic specialist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.

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Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.