Everything You Need to Know About Frozen Shoulder
If your shoulder involves extreme pain and stiffness, you are on the right page. Furthermore, before starting this write-up on frozen shoulder, let have a brief introduction.
Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. Thus, it is a condition that causes stiffness, loss of normal mobility, and extreme pain in your shoulder. Likewise, this condition can be severe and tends to get worse with time if it is not treated properly. Frozen shoulder mainly affects individuals from the 40 to 60 age group, and women, as compared to men, are often affected by this. Similarly, symptoms normally begin very slowly and get worse over a period. Nevertheless, signs usually get better within 1 to 3 years with the proper treatment. Frozen shoulder mainly occurs if you keep your shoulder in the same position for a long time.
Moreover, in this write-up, we will discuss all the corners of the frozen shoulder. Whether you want an insight into the brief definition, symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, you will have precise knowledge under this write-up.
Overview of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is an excruciating condition in which the movement of the shoulder becomes restricted, even after multiple attempts. Hence, the term frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis in medical language. It mainly happens when the strong connective soft tissue, which is also known as the shoulder joint capsule, surrounding the shoulder joint becomes stiff, thick, and inflamed. It contains the ligaments connecting the top of the humeral head (upper arm bone) to the glenoid (shoulder socket), accurately holding the shoulder joint capsule. It is also known as a ball-and-socket joint.
Furthermore, in frozen shoulder condition, the pain you feel is less likely to occur with limited shoulder movement. Lack of movement causes the shoulder capsule to become tight and thicken, making it even more challenging to move. It is mainly frozen in its position when you barely move your shoulder for a long time.
What are the Imperative Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
There are three major stages that are categorized as the significant symptoms of frozen shoulder. Let’s have a look one by one.
Stage 1: Freezing
In this first stage, your shoulder becomes painful and stiff enough to move. The pain gradually increases, and it might be worse at night, which increases the chances of immobility when moving your shoulder. However, this freezing stage lasts from 6 to 9 months.
Stage 2: Frozen
In this particular stage, shoulder pain might reduce, but your shoulder remains stiff. It makes it more challenging to do daily chores and activities. It lasts from 3 to 6 months.
Stage 3: Thawing
In this last stage, pain reduces, and your capability to shoulder movement slowly improves. Complete recovery happens as typical motion returns and strength. The stage of frozen shoulder thawing lasts from 6 months to 2 years.
What are the Primary Causes of Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder joint is held in a connective tissue capsule. Thus, frozen shoulder happens when the capsule tightens and thickens around the shoulder joint. Additionally, the first symptom is restricted shoulder movement when frozen shoulder occurs. However, it is unclear why this condition happens to some individuals. Regardless, it is more likely to happen if you extend the period of the shoulder’s stiffness in one position. Here are some known causes of frozen shoulder that you must know:
- Scar Tissue Formation
- Inflammation and Thickening
- Age and Gender
- Underlying Health Condition
- Inactivity or Immobility
What are the Risk Factors that You Must Consider?
Here we have mentioned specific factors that might increase the risk of frozen shoulder:
1. Sex and Age
Individuals around the age of 40 or older, specifically women, are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
2. Reduced Mobility or Immobility
Individuals who have to keep their shoulder in the same position for a longer time are at a higher risk of acquiring frozen shoulder. Moreover, movement limitation can be the result of countless factors. Some include:
- Recovery from Surgery
- Stroke
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Broken Arm
3. Systemic Diseases
Individuals who are dealing with a particular health condition are more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Here we have mentioned the names of diseases that might increase the potential risk, including:
- Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
- Diabetes
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
Your doctor will have a conversation regarding the symptoms and review your medical history to diagnose your frozen shoulder. Additionally, they will perform a physical examination of your shoulders and arms. They will:
- Check your shoulder’s mobility by moving it in all directions and examining whether there is pain with movement. This is a type of examination known as passive range of motion.
- Examine your shoulder movement to see your active motion range.
- Compare both types of motion. Individuals with frozen shoulders have a restricted range of passive and active motion.
Here are the three imaging tests that your doctor significantly suggests you:
- X-rays
- MRI
- Ultrasound
What are the Effective Treatments for Frozen Shoulder?
Until the initial phases pass, the premium treatment of frozen shoulder involves pain relief techniques. You might need surgery or physiotherapy to restore your shoulder motion if it does not return. Nevertheless, here we have mentioned some simple frozen shoulder treatments, which include:
- Physical Therapy
- Home Exercise Program
- Medicines that Reduce Pain and Swelling
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Hot and Cold Compresses
If these non-invasive treatments have not relieved your extreme shoulder pain and stiffness after about a year, doctors at Kush Orthopedic & Health Centre might suggest other methods. These include:
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
How to Prevent Frozen Shoulders?
Not moving the shoulder properly while recovering from a shoulder injury, a stroke, or a broken arm is the primary reason for frozen shoulder. Moreover, you can decrease the risk if you start physical therapy after any shoulder injury in which shoulder motion is difficult or extremely painful. If you have encountered a shoulder injury that makes the pain more difficult to manage, it is time to search for the best orthopedic & health centre near me. The healthcare provider will assist you in maintaining your shoulder mobility. They will suggest some precise exercises and dietary needs for your specific condition.
It’s Time to Conclude Here!
We understand that dealing with a frozen shoulder is a tedious and annoying thing for an individual. Frozen shoulder restricts lots of things you love. You can’t enjoy your hobbies, such as swimming, sports, etc. However, you do not need to worry about your frozen shoulder because at Kush Orthopedic & Health Centre, you will receive premium treatment to prevent your frozen shoulder condition from happening again. We have a great team of experienced doctors who are skilled in their respective fields.
Furthermore, we treat every patient equally at Kush Orthopedic & Health Centre. Our primary goal is to give top-notch medical assistance to all individuals without breaking their bank accounts. Whether you need physiotherapy assistance or just want consultation regarding your health condition, we are here to provide everything under one roof. So, do not waste a single minute and call us today and book your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have mentioned the top five most effective treatments for frozen shoulder:
- Stretching Exercises
- Good Posture Advice
- Pain Relief Physiotherapy
- Medicines and Injections
- Strength Exercises
Ans: Individuals dealing with frozen shoulders should avoid all lifestyle practices and vata-aggravating diets. Further, here we have mentioned the list of foods that are bad for your frozen shoulders:
- White Flour (Refined Flour) Products
- Stale Food
- Fast Food
- Alcohol
- Packaged Food
- Carbonated Drinks
- Frozen Food
Ans: Yes, of course. You can treat your frozen shoulders with a heating bag or other form of heat. Additionally, you can opt for stretching, physiotherapy, and over-the-counter pain medicines to treat your frozen shoulders.