Dealing with Frozen Shoulder? Here’s What You Need to Know 

What is Frozen Shoulder? 

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Over time, the shoulder becomes increasingly difficult to move, and the range of motion is significantly limited. The condition typically develops gradually and worsens over time, with symptoms often lasting for one to three years. It’s more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, and women are more likely to be affected than men. 

Causes of Frozen Shoulder 

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, thickens and tightens, restricting movement. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, several factors can contribute to the condition: 

• Prolonged immobility: Shoulder immobility due to an injury, surgery, or illness can trigger frozen shoulder. This often happens when someone is recovering from conditions like a rotator cuff injury, a broken arm, or a stroke. 

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder, though the reasons are unclear. 

• Other medical conditions: Conditions such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, and Parkinson’s disease may increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder. 

The Stages of Frozen Shoulder 

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages: 

Freezing stage: Shoulder pain gradually worsens, and the range of motion becomes more limited. This stage can last 6 to 9 months. 

Frozen stage: While pain may begin to diminish, stiffness increases, and the shoulder becomes more difficult to move. This stage can last 4 to 12 months. 

Thawing stage: Movement in the shoulder begins to improve, and the stiffness decreases over several months. Full recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. 

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder 

Treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on relieving pain and restoring mobility. The following options are commonly recommended: 

• Physical therapy: Stretching and range-of-motion exercises guided by a physical therapist are often the cornerstone of treatment. Gradually increasing movement can help improve shoulder mobility. 

• Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. 

• Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, steroid injections into the shoulder joint can reduce inflammation and ease pain. 

• Joint distension: This procedure involves injecting sterile water into the joint to stretch the capsule and improve range of motion. 

• Surgery: For severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to loosen the tight capsule and restore mobility. 

Prevention Tips 

While frozen shoulder can’t always be prevented, certain strategies can reduce your risk or prevent recurrence: 

• Keep your shoulder moving: After an injury or surgery, it’s essential to start gentle range-of-motion exercises as soon as your doctor recommends. This helps prevent the joint from becoming too stiff. 

• Control underlying health conditions: Managing conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can help reduce your risk of developing frozen shoulder. 

• Stay active: Regular physical activity that involves shoulder movements can help maintain flexibility and reduce the likelihood of shoulder stiffness. 

When to See a Specialist 

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but with proper treatment and care, most people regain full function over time. Early diagnosis and intervention can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. 

Want to learn more? Contact our team at ROC today for expert advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.