Frozen shoulder: What, Why and how?
- Chinmoy Roy
- Aug 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
Overview
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Symptoms typically start gradually and worsen over time. However, with time, the symptoms tend to improve, usually within 1 to 3 years.
The risk of developing frozen shoulder increases when the shoulder remains immobile for an extended period. This can occur after surgery or due to an arm fracture.
Treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises. In some cases, corticosteroids and numbing medications are injected into the joint. Arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to loosen the joint capsule, allowing for better movement.
While it’s uncommon for frozen shoulder to recur in the same shoulder, some individuals may develop it in the other shoulder, typically within five years.
Symptoms
Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly in three stages.
Freezing stage. Any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and the shoulder's ability to move becomes limited. This stage lasts from 2 to 9 months.
Frozen stage. Pain might lessen during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer. Using it becomes more difficult. This stage lasts from 4 to 12 months.
Thawing stage. The shoulder's ability to move begins to improve. This stage lasts from 5 to 24 months.
For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.
Causes
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder develops when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, limiting its movement. Although the exact cause remains unclear, it is more likely to occur after prolonged shoulder immobility, such as following surgery or an arm fracture.
Risk factors
Age and sex: People 40 and older, particularly women, are more likely to have frozen shoulder.
Immobility or reduced mobility: People who've had to keep a shoulder somewhat still are at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. Restricted movement can be the result of many factors, including Rotator cuff injury, Broken arm, Stroke, Recovery from surgery etc.
Systemic diseases: 1. Diabetes, 2. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), 3. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), 4. cardiovascular disease 5. Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment options
1. Medications: Pain relievers can reduce pain.
2. Pain Interventions:
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can help decrease pain and improve mobility.
Hydro dilatation: This involves injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch the tissues and improve movement.
Shoulder manipulation: Under general anesthesia, the shoulder is moved in different directions to help loosen the tight tissues
3. Exercise therapy: Specific exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles are crucial.
4. Dietary advice:
Anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporating foods like berries, pineapples, and vegetables such as broccoli and sweet potatoes can help reduce inflammation2.
Avoiding certain foods: Reducing intake of foods rich in simple carbohydrates and fats can also be beneficial
You can always contact Dr Chinmoy Roy at Rajarhat pain clinic at Newtown, Kolkata for best advice.
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