Frozen Shoulder Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

A frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis is a condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff. It usually progresses through 3 stages:

1. Freezing
This is the initial and most painful stage. It usually results in a slow loss of motion and shoulder stiffness and lasts 2–6 months.
2. Frozen
In this second stage, the pain lessens, but the limited shoulder mobility persists. This stage can last from 3–6 months.
3. Thawing
In this last phase motion slowly improves. This stage can last from 3- 12 months.

The cause is not entirely understood. It develops slowly over time. Often, this occurs after some injury to the shoulder, but sometimes, it can develop without any clear-cut injury. Anything that results in joint pain with shoulder movement can lead to a frozen shoulder. It does occur more often in people with diabetes or other chronic conditions.

Usually, the pain is an achy pain that starts slowly and can become extremely severe, oftentimes especially at night. Usually, as the condition progresses, the pain lessens. This pain is accompanied by shoulder stiffness and limited shoulder mobility.

If the pain is not controlled with rest, modalities, and NSAIDs, it may be time to see your physician. They can help you to get adhesive capsulitis treatment.

He/She will do an examination of the shoulder. If your physician cannot move your shoulder, you most likely have a frozen shoulder.

Often X-Rays, and MRI scans may be performed to make sure there is not some other cause of your symptoms but in the case of a frozen shoulder, these tests are often normal.

Most people who develop a frozen shoulder will not require surgery. While it may take a long time for the symptoms to resolve, usually, with time and conservative treatments designed to decrease pain and restore range of motion, the frozen shoulder will resolve. There are two types of pain that people experience when dealing with a frozen shoulder. Stretching pain can be beneficial as long as it is gentle and short-duration. Consistent stretching can help to regain motion. Resistance pain, like that caused by lifting, should generally be avoided, as it can slow recovery after adhesive capsulitis.

These treatments are:

• NSAIA to decrease pain and inflammation
• Cortisone injections
• Home exercises emphasizing stretching
• Physical therapy

If you have symptoms of a frozen shoulder here are some exercises to try

Frozen Shoulder

In rare cases, non-surgical treatments are insufficient to restore the range of motion. In these situations, your physician may recommend an operation. This is called a manipulation under anesthesia and lysis of adhesions. In this procedure, the surgeon manipulates the shoulder while you are asleep, breaks up the scar tissue, and then uses the arthroscope to remove any remaining scar tissue. This is followed by a period of physical therapy to maintain the motion and reduce shoulder stiffness.

Recovery from a frozen shoulder often takes a long time. Sometimes longer than a year. While the recovery can be frustrating, almost always everyone regains full motion and becomes pain-free.