Frozen Shoulder: Why It Happens and How to Treat It

Frozen Shoulder: Why It Happens and How to Treat It
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Introduction

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common yet debilitating condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It gradually worsens over time, limiting movement and affecting daily activities. Understanding why frozen shoulder happens and how to treat it can help patients manage their symptoms effectively and regain mobility.

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What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule, leading to stiffness and restricted movement. The condition progresses through three distinct stages:2

  1. Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness, worsening over weeks to months.
  2. Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains, severely limiting shoulder movement.
  3. Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in mobility and reduction in stiffness.

The entire cycle can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. 

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Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?

While the exact cause is not always clear, several risk factors can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder:

  • Age & Gender: More common in people aged 40-60, especially women.
  • Diabetes: Increased risk due to changes in collagen and inflammation.
  • Injury or Surgery: Prolonged immobility after surgery or an injury can lead to stiffness.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease may be associated with frozen shoulder.
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Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

  1. Persistent pain in the shoulder, especially at night.
  2. Limited range of motion, making it difficult to lift the arm.
  3. Stiffness that worsens over time.
  4. Difficulty performing daily activities such as dressing or reaching overhead.
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Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Effective treatment focuses on pain relief and restoring mobility. Options include:

1. Conservative Treatments

  • Physical Therapy: A tailored exercise program to improve flexibility and strength.
  • Medications: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Hot & Cold Therapy: Ice packs for pain relief and heat packs to loosen stiffness.

2. Interventional Treatments

  • Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
  • Hydrodilatation: A minimally invasive procedure where saline is injected to stretch the shoulder capsule.Can help break adhesions and improve shoulder range of motion.
  • Nerve Blocks: Targeted nerve blocks can reduce pain and facilitate physical therapy.

3. Advanced Pain Management Techniques

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: May promote healing by using growth factors from the patient’s blood.
  • Medical Ozone Therapy: Emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment for inflammation and pain relief.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation : Targets the painful nerves around the shoulder joint and blocks them resulting in long lasting pain relief.

4. Surgical Options (For Severe Cases)

  • Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): The joint is gently moved while the patient is under anesthesia to break adhesions.
  • Arthroscopic Capsular Release: A minimally invasive surgery to remove adhesions and improve mobility.
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Preventing Frozen Shoulder

  • Regular shoulder stretches and exercises.
  • Avoid prolonged immobilization after surgery or injury.
  • Early intervention if stiffness or pain develops.
  • Managing underlying conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
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Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating and painful condition, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients can regain movement and reduce discomfort. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, consult a pain specialist to explore the best treatment options for your condition.

For expert guidance and personalized care, visit ALGOS Pain Clinic or schedule a consultation today!

#FrozenShoulder #ShoulderPain #PainManagement #PhysicalTherapy #InterventionalPain #PRPTherapy #MedicalOzone #RegenerativeMedicine

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REFERENCES

  1. Lee SY, Lee KJ, Kim W, Chung SG. Relationships between capsular stiffness and clinical features in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. PM R. 2015;7(12):1226–1234. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.05.012. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Brue S, Valentin A, Forssblad M, Werner S, Mikkelsen C, Cerulli G. Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(8):1048–1054. doi: 10.1007/s00167-007-0291-2. 
  3. Reeves B. The natural history of the frozen shoulder syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol. 1975;4(4):193–196. doi: 10.3109/03009747509165255. [
  4. Dias R, Cutts S, Massoud S. Frozen shoulder. BMJ. 2005;331(7530):1453–1456. doi: 10.1136/bmj.331.7530.1453.

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