Do I Have Frozen Shoulder? Understanding Adhesive Capsulitis

A shoulder frozen in ice

Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. The symptoms develop gradually, worsen over time, and then resolve, typically within one to three years. This condition occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, thickens and tightens around the joint, restricting movement.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The primary symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and restricted movement in the shoulder. These symptoms are typically divided into three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: During this stage, pain occurs with any movement of your shoulder, and your range of motion starts to become limited.

2. Frozen Stage: Pain might begin to diminish during this stage, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.

3. Thawing Stage: The range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve during this stage.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is more common in people with diabetes and those who have had to immobilize their shoulder for a prolonged period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture. Other risk factors include:

• Age (40-60 years old)

• Gender (more common in women)

• Systemic diseases (diabetes, thyroid disorders)
  

Diagnosis: Do I Have Frozen Shoulder?

If you suspect you might have a frozen shoulder, here are some common signs to watch for:

• Persistent shoulder pain that limits your daily activities

• Difficulty in moving your shoulder without pain

• A noticeable reduction in shoulder range of motion

  
  

Your physical therapist or doctor might perform several tests to diagnose frozen shoulder, including:

• Physical Examination: Assessing the range of motion and pain levels.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other conditions like arthritis.

  
  

Early Intervention: Shoulder Mobility Exercises

Early intervention can significantly impact the progression and management of frozen shoulder. Here are some gentle shoulder mobility exercises you can start with:

1. Pendulum Exercise

• Lean over slightly, allowing your affected arm to hang down and be completely passive or limp.

• Swing your arm in small circles, gradually increasing the circle diameter as you feel more comfortable.

2. Towel Stretch

• Hold a towel behind your back with one hand and grab the opposite end with your other hand.

• Use your good arm to pull the towel upward to stretch the affected shoulder.

3. Finger Walk

• Stand facing a wall at a distance of about three-quarters of an arm's length away.

• Reach out and touch the wall with your fingers at waist level.

• Slowly walk your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can.

Treatment Options

Treatment for frozen shoulder often involves managing pain and preserving as much range of motion in the shoulder as possible. Options include:

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion.

• Steroid Injections: To reduce pain and improve mobility in the short term.

• Hydrodilatation: An injection of sterile water into the joint capsule to expand and stretch the shoulder capsule.

• Surgery: Rarely needed but may include manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery to loosen the joint capsule.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a painful and limiting condition, but with early intervention and appropriate treatment, you can manage the symptoms and improve your shoulder mobility. If you think you might have a frozen shoulder, consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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