Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. It can be an incredibly frustrating and painful experience, often making simple tasks like reaching overhead or putting on a jacket difficult. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for frozen shoulder to help you understand this condition better and seek the right treatment.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and restricted movement. The shoulder joint, known as the glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. In a healthy shoulder, the joint is surrounded by a flexible capsule of connective tissue. However, in people with frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes tight and inflamed, leading to pain and limited mobility.

Causes and Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not entirely understood, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Some common risk factors include:

  1. Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people aged 40 to 60, and women are more likely to develop it than men.
  2. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. This may be due to changes in the body’s immune system or increased inflammation.
  3. Injury or Surgery: A shoulder injury or surgery can lead to a period of immobility, which can trigger the development of frozen shoulder.
  4. Other Health Conditions: Certain conditions such as thyroid problems, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
  5. Immobility: If the shoulder is immobilized for an extended period due to injury or surgery, the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder can increase.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The primary symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

  1. Pain: The pain usually starts as a dull ache in the shoulder and may intensify over time. It is often worse at night and can interfere with sleep.
  2. Stiffness: One of the hallmark symptoms of frozen shoulder is stiffness, which makes it difficult to move the shoulder. Simple movements, such as raising the arm or reaching behind the back, may become nearly impossible.
  3. Limited Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, the shoulder becomes more and more restricted in its range of motion. This limitation is typically divided into three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
    • Freezing: In the first stage, pain gradually worsens, and the shoulder starts to stiffen.
    • Frozen: The second stage is characterized by severe stiffness, but the pain may start to subside.
    • Thawing: In the final stage, the stiffness begins to improve, and the range of motion slowly returns.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and promoting healing. The treatment approach will depend on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. Some common treatment options include:

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist can guide you through a series of exercises to help stretch and strengthen the shoulder joint. Stretching exercises are particularly helpful for improving flexibility and restoring the range of motion. A therapist may also use techniques such as heat or cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate the pain associated with frozen shoulder. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroid injections are also sometimes used to reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder.

3. Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. These injections are often used when physical therapy and medications do not provide adequate relief.

4. Spencer Technique for Frozen Shoulder

One approach to managing frozen shoulder that has shown positive results is the Spencer technique for frozen shoulder. This is a specialized manual therapy technique that focuses on mobilizing the shoulder joint and soft tissue structures to help improve its range of motion. It combines gentle stretching, rhythmic movements, and joint mobilization to reduce pain and increase flexibility. The Spencer technique can be a valuable treatment option for those struggling with frozen shoulder, particularly when traditional physical therapy alone does not provide sufficient relief.

5. Surgery

In rare cases, if non-invasive treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary. The two primary surgical options for frozen shoulder are:

  • Arthroscopic Capsular Release: This minimally invasive procedure involves using a camera to remove the thickened tissue around the shoulder joint, helping to restore mobility.
  • Manipulation Under Anesthesia: In this procedure, the doctor moves the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia to break up scar tissue and improve range of motion.

Prevention and Recovery

While it may not always be possible to prevent frozen shoulder, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility is crucial, particularly if you have had a shoulder injury or surgery. Regular exercise, focusing on shoulder strength and flexibility, can also help keep the joint functioning properly.

For those recovering from frozen shoulder, consistency is key. Continuing physical therapy exercises, even after symptoms improve, is important to fully regain mobility and prevent recurrence. Patience is also necessary, as full recovery can take time.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is a painful and debilitating condition, but with proper treatment and therapy, most individuals can experience significant improvement in their symptoms. From physical therapy to more advanced treatments like the Spencer technique, many options are available to help restore movement and ease pain. If you or someone you know is struggling with frozen shoulder, seeking professional help is crucial.

For more information and personalized treatment options, visit Dr. Mahmood Ahmad’s Website. Whether you’re located in Multan or beyond, Dr. Ahmad offers expert care to help manage frozen shoulder and other orthopedic conditions. Contact his clinic at Razia Saeed Hospital, 17-E Near Eid Gah, Chowk, Officers Colony, Multan, Punjab, or call 0300 0777790 for appointments and inquiries. You can also reach out via email at info@drmahmoodahmad.com.