What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickens, leading to stiffness and pain. This condition typically develops gradually over time, significantly impacting a person’s daily activities and quality of life.
It progresses through three distinct stages: the freezing stage, characterized by increasing pain and gradual loss of motion lasting 2-9 months; the frozen stage, where pain may diminish but stiffness increases, lasting 4-12 months; and the thawing stage, during which shoulder mobility gradually improves as the joint capsule loosens, lasting anywhere from 5 months to 2 years.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include prolonged immobilization (such as after surgery or injury), diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Age is also a factor, with individuals between 40-60 years old being most at risk. Women are more commonly affected than men. In some cases, frozen shoulder can occur without any apparent cause, which is known as idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
Recognizing the symptoms of frozen shoulder is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include a dull or aching pain in the shoulder that often worsens at night, disturbing sleep.
Patients may experience difficulty performing everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back. There’s a gradual loss of shoulder range of motion, with stiffness that increases over time. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing frozen shoulder typically involves a physical examination where your doctor will assess your shoulder’s range of motion and pain levels. A review of your medical history helps identify potential risk factors or underlying conditions.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to rule out other shoulder problems. A thorough diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
What Are the Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder?
Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, involving stretching and strengthening exercises.
Pain management may include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary pain relief and improve mobility.
Other options include hydrodilatation (injection of sterile fluid to stretch the joint capsule) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management. In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options like manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.
How Can Physical Therapy Help with Frozen Shoulder?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing frozen shoulder. Your therapist may use modalities like heat, ice, or ultrasound to alleviate pain. Gentle stretching exercises help improve shoulder flexibility, while strengthening exercises are introduced as mobility improves.
Manual therapy techniques can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Your therapist will also address posture correction to prevent further shoulder stress and provide a home exercise program for you to continue your recovery outside of therapy sessions. Consistency and patience are key in physical therapy for frozen shoulder, as recovery can take several months.
What Can I Do at Home to Manage Frozen Shoulder?
While professional treatment is essential, there are several things you can do at home to support your recovery. Follow your prescribed exercise program regularly and apply heat before exercises to improve tissue flexibility.
Use ice after exercises or activities to reduce pain and inflammation. Maintain good posture throughout the day and modify daily activities to avoid aggravating your shoulder.
Getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy diet can also support healing. Remember to communicate with your physiotherapist about your progress and any challenges you face.
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?
While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by maintaining good shoulder mobility through regular exercise and seeking early treatment for shoulder injuries or pain.
Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes effectively is also important. Avoid prolonged immobilization of the shoulder when possible and practice good posture and ergonomics in daily activities. Early intervention is key in preventing the progression of shoulder stiffness.
What is the Long-Term Outlook for Frozen Shoulder?
The prognosis for frozen shoulder is generally good, with most people experiencing significant improvement within 12-18 months. However, recovery time varies from person to person, and some individuals may have residual stiffness or reduced range of motion.
Consistent adherence to treatment plans improves outcomes. While recurrence in the same shoulder is rare, the opposite shoulder may be affected in some cases. Staying patient and committed to your treatment plan offers the best possible outcome.
Are There Any New or Alternative Treatments for Frozen Shoulder?
While traditional treatments remain the mainstay, some emerging approaches show promise. These include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, which may help reduce pain and improve function, and acupuncture, with some patients reporting pain relief.
Research is ongoing regarding the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in frozen shoulder. Virtual reality therapy is also being explored to enhance engagement in physical therapy exercises. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new or alternative treatments.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention for Shoulder Pain?
While some shoulder discomfort can be normal, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks, significant loss of shoulder motion, or difficulty performing daily activities due to shoulder pain or stiffness.
Night pain that disturbs sleep, sudden severe shoulder pain, or any shoulder symptoms following an injury also warrant medical evaluation. Early intervention can prevent the progression of frozen shoulder and improve outcomes.