Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by pain and loss of motion in shoulder joint. It is more common in older adults aged between 40 and 60 years and is more common in women than men.

Causes

Frozen shoulder is caused by inflammation of the ligaments holding the shoulder bones to each other. The shoulder capsule becomes thick, tight, and the stiff bands of tissue called adhesions may develop. Individuals with shoulder injury, shoulder surgeries, shoulder immobilized for longer period, other disease conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease and cardiac diseases are at risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder may cause pain and stiffness and limit the movements of shoulder.

Diagnosis

Frozen shoulder condition can be diagnosed by the presenting symptoms and radiological diagnostic procedures such as X-rays or MRI scans.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment options include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections for pain
• Physical therapy to improve your range of motion
• Sometimes heat may be applied to reduce pain

Surgery

Your surgeon may recommend shoulder arthroscopy when the conservative treatment does not work.  During surgery, the scar tissue will be removed and tight ligaments, if any, will be dissected. Following surgery physical therapy will be advised to bring full range of motion and strengthen the muscles.