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Frozen Shoulder

So have you ever woken up and felt like your shoulder was stuck? Like no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t move it normally? That stiff, achy feeling that makes it tough to reach up to grab something from a shelf? That’s what the doctors call a “frozen shoulder.“

What is frozen shoulder, and what causes it?

  • Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, limiting range of motion.
  • It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, leading to inflammation and restricted movement.
  • The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but factors such as injury, overuse, diabetes, and prolonged immobility can contribute to its development.

 

Frozen Shoulder

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?

  • Pain: Persistent pain in the shoulder joint, particularly during movement or at rest.
  • Stiffness: Gradual onset of stiffness and decreased range of motion in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
  • Loss of Function: Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body, impacting daily tasks and activities.

How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

  • Physical Examination: The orthopedic surgeon will assess the patient’s range of motion, strength, and stability of the shoulder joint.
  • Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be ordered to rule out other underlying conditions and evaluate the extent of inflammation and structural changes in the shoulder joint.

What are the main treatments for a frozen shoulder?

  • Medications – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy – Gently stretching and strengthening exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist are important to improve range of motion and flexibility in the shoulder. Heat and ice therapy may also be used.
  • Home Exercises – Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to do at home on a regular basis. These help maintain mobility and prevent the shoulder from freezing up again.
    Joint Mobilization – A physical therapist or chiropractor performs gentle joint manipulation and stretching techniques to help restore normal movement.
  • Surgery – If conservative treatments fail and the shoulder is still extremely stiff and painful, arthroscopic surgery or open surgery to cut the tight shoulder capsule may be needed in rare cases.

The majority of people respond to conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and home exercises over 6 months to 2 years. Surgery is typically only considered if the shoulder is severely limiting function and quality of life. Being patient and consistent with treatment is key to recovering mobility.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Narayan Khandelwal

If you have a doubt about having this condition or if you are suffering from a Frozen Shoulder, call 9920126404 or book online to schedule a consultation to determine if surgery is appropriate.