Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. This condition often progresses over time and significantly affects daily activities, such as dressing or reaching for objects. While the exact frozen shoulder causes remain unclear, it is commonly linked to prolonged immobility, underlying medical conditions, or injuries. Recognizing the frozen shoulder symptoms early can lead to timely intervention and effective management.
At Ortho Planet, we specialize in diagnosing and treating frozen shoulder both through online consultations and in-person care, helping you regain mobility and live pain-free.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and becomes stiff, restricting movement. This condition develops gradually and typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage:Increasing pain and decreasing mobility.
- Frozen Stage:Stiffness intensifies while pain may reduce.
- Thawing Stage:Mobility improves gradually, though recovery can take months or even years.
This condition can severely impact your ability to perform routine activities, making professional evaluation essential for early intervention.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Several factors contribute to the development of frozen shoulder:
- Prolonged Immobilization: Shoulder injuries, surgeries, or conditions requiring immobilization can trigger frozen shoulder.
- Underlying Health Conditions:Individuals with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Age and Gender:It is more prevalent in individuals aged 40–60 and is more common in women.
- Trauma or Surgery: Previous surgeries on the shoulder or traumatic injuries can also lead to this condition.
Understanding these frozen shoulder causes can help identify individuals at higher risk and implement preventive measures.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops gradually, with distinct frozen shoulder symptoms manifesting in its stages:
- Pain: Persistent pain that worsens with movement, particularly during the freezing stage.
- Stiffness: Inability to move the shoulder freely, even during simple tasks.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in lifting the arm, reaching behind, or rotating the shoulder.
If you notice these symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options
Effective frozen shoulder management focuses on reducing pain and improving shoulder mobility. Depending on the severity of the condition, the following treatment options are recommended:
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy:Guided exercises help restore mobility and strength.
- Medications:Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed.
- Corticosteroid Injections:These reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Heat or Ice Therapy:Alternating hot and cold applications can alleviate pain and stiffness.
2. Advanced Treatments
- Hydrodilatation: Injecting fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve movement.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia: The shoulder is moved while the patient is sedated to break up adhesions.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: Rarely needed, but used to remove scar tissue in severe cases.
Ortho Planet offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your stage of frozen shoulder, ensuring a faster recovery.
When to Seek Help
If you experience persistent pain, stiffness, or a limited range of motion in your shoulder, it’s time to consult a specialist. Delaying treatment can lead to prolonged recovery and further complications. At Ortho Planet, both online consultations and offline care are available to provide timely diagnosis and expert treatment.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can significantly impact your daily life, but with the right care, it is manageable. Recognizing the frozen shoulder symptoms and addressing the frozen shoulder causes early ensures better outcomes. Whether you need advice online or hands-on treatment in-person, Ortho Planet is here to guide you through every step of your recovery journey.