Frozen Shoulder : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This blog post delves into the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for frozen shoulder to provide a comprehensive understanding of this challenging condition.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

1. Pain and Stiffness: The hallmark symptom of frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This stiffness progressively worsens over time.
2. Limited Range of Motion: Patients often experience difficulty in moving their shoulder, especially while performing activities like reaching overhead or behind the back.
3. Painful Activities: Certain movements or activities can exacerbate the pain, such as reaching for objects, lifting weights, or sleeping on the affected side.
4. Pain at Night: Many individuals with frozen shoulder experience increased pain and discomfort at night, which can affect sleep quality.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

1. Injury or Trauma: A previous injury or trauma to the shoulder can lead to inflammation and the development of scar tissue, contributing to frozen shoulder.
2. Prolonged Immobilization: Immobilizing the shoulder for extended periods, such as after surgery or due to a medical condition, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
3. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease have been associated with an increased risk of frozen shoulder.
4. Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in individuals over 40, and women tend to be affected more frequently than men.
5. Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing frozen shoulder in some individuals.

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

Diagnosing frozen shoulder typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests:

1. Medical History: The doctor will inquire about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, any previous shoulder injuries, and risk factors.
2. Physical Examination: A physical exam helps assess the range of motion, strength, and tenderness in the shoulder joint.
3. Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of damage or inflammation in the shoulder joint.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

1. Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.
2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.
3. Intra-articular Injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
4. Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
5. Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options like shoulder manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic release may be considered.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life due to pain and restricted shoulder movement. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. By understanding the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for frozen shoulder, patients and healthcare providers can work together to develop an effective management plan tailored to each individual’s needs.

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