Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and a significant loss of movement in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint thicken and tighten, restricting mobility. The onset of frozen shoulder is gradual, with symptoms worsening over time. In some cases, the recovery process can take up to three years. While the exact cause is unclear, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for reducing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes. Understanding the stages, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage this condition effectively.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder has three stages. Each has specific symptoms and varying discomfort. The three stages include the following:

• Freezing Stage: In this first stage, shoulder pain develops, and shoulder movement becomes more difficult. This stage can last from six weeks to nine months.
• Frozen Stage: The pain may ease, but the stiffness worsens. During this stage, movement is severely restricted, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks. This stage can last between four to twelve months.
• Thawing Stage: This is the recovery phase. The stiffness fades, and movement improves. Full recovery can take six months to two years.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms typically develop slowly. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Frozen shoulder usually starts with pain that worsens with movement over time. Stiffness follows, making it harder to move your shoulder in any direction.
• Limited Range of Motion: As the condition worsens, simple movements, like reaching overhead, behind your back, or lifting your arm, become hard or impossible.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Pain from frozen shoulder often worsens at night, making it hard to sleep, especially if you lie on the affected side.
• Muscle Weakness: Pain and limited movement can weaken the shoulder muscles over time. This weakness makes daily tasks, like dressing or brushing your hair, harder.

The area around the shoulder joint may become tender to the touch. Movements can trigger sharp pain.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness, seeing a physician for an accurate diagnosis is important. During your appointment, the physician will ask about your medical history, when your symptoms began, and if you’ve had any recent injuries or surgeries. They will then perform a physical exam to assess the range of motion in your shoulder.

You may be asked to move your arm in various directions, and the physician may assist in guiding your arm through certain motions to determine how restricted your movement is. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a rotator cuff tear.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can be painful and frustrating; various effective treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and enhance mobility. Consider the following treatment options:

• Physical Therapy: This is often the first treatment recommended for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will guide you through gentle stretches and exercises to improve your shoulder mobility. Regular physical therapy can help prevent further stiffness and promote healing.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help. They reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger prescription medications may be needed.
• Corticosteroid Injections: If the pain and inflammation are severe, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide temporary relief. These injections reduce swelling and allow for more effective physical therapy.
• Shoulder Manipulation: Physicians may recommend a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). During this procedure, you are put to sleep, and the surgeon moves your shoulder through its full range of motion to break up any tight tissue. This procedure is typically done when other treatments have not provided relief.
• Surgery: In rare, severe cases, surgery may be needed to loosen the tight tissues around the shoulder joint. The arthroscopic capsular release procedure uses small incisions to cut and release the thickened capsule. Surgery is usually only considered after other treatments have failed.

Prevention Strategies

While frozen shoulder can’t always be prevented, there are several ways to lower your risk. Keeping your shoulder moving is important, especially after an injury or surgery. Gentle exercises like shoulder rolls, wall crawls, and using resistance bands can help keep your shoulder flexible and prevent stiffness. Strengthening the muscles around your shoulder and upper back is also essential for keeping your shoulder healthy.

Managing conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can also reduce your risk. Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can help avoid straining your shoulder. Staying hydrated and eating foods that fight inflammation, like fruits, vegetables, and foods high in omega-3s, can support joint health.

It’s also important to listen to your body. If you feel any pain or notice that your shoulder movement is limited, don’t wait to take action. Early treatment with gentle exercises or seeing a physician can help stop frozen shoulder from worsening and improve your chances of recovery.

Long-Term Recovery and Outlook

Recovering from frozen shoulder can take up to three years for full mobility to return. With the proper treatment and consistent care, most people see significant improvements. After the thawing stage, it’s essential to keep your shoulder moving to prevent stiffness from coming back. Regular physical therapy exercises, good posture, and avoiding activities that strain your shoulder are key for long-term recovery.

While some people may not regain full shoulder function, shoulder pain usually gets better, and movement improves over time. Staying committed to your treatment plan and follow-up visits with your physician can ensure that you keep making progress. With patience and proper care, most individuals with frozen shoulder can return to their daily activities with less pain and more mobility.

Our Approach to Frozen Shoulder Care

Frozen shoulder can be a long-lasting and painful condition, significantly impacting your daily life and activities.

If you or someone you know has persistent shoulder pain, consult a doctor. They can discuss treatment options and start your recovery. Contact Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health today to explore how we can support you in maintaining your shoulder health and improving your overall well-being. Together, we can work toward restoring your mobility and enhancing your quality of life.

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