Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is often unclear, but it is believed to involve inflammation and thickening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to tightening and restriction of movement.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:

• Stiffness: The shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and difficult to move. Initially, there may be mild discomfort or pain with movement, which progressively worsens.
• Pain: Pain is usually constant and may be felt deep in the shoulder joint or on the outer aspect of the upper arm. The pain may worsen at night, making it difficult to sleep on the affected side.
• Limited Range of Motion: The ability to move the shoulder is significantly restricted. Activities like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even performing routine tasks become challenging.
• Progressive Loss of Function: As the condition progresses, the range of motion further decreases, leading to significant functional limitations.

Treatment and Management:

Non-Surgical Approaches:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.
• Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises and range-of-motion exercises guided by a physical therapist can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat packs or cold packs to the affected shoulder can provide pain relief and help relax the muscles.
• Steroid Injections: In certain cases, corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve range of motion.

Surgical Intervention:

• Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): In some cases, if conservative measures fail to improve the condition, the doctor may recommend MUA. This procedure involves the patient being put under anesthesia while the doctor manipulates the shoulder joint to break up adhesions and improve range of motion.
• Arthroscopic Release: In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be performed. During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon releases tight structures and adhesions in the shoulder joint using specialized instruments.

Recovery & Rehabilitation: Recovery from frozen shoulder can be a slow process, often taking several months to years. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring shoulder mobility and function. The therapist will guide the patient through exercises to gradually improve range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles. It is important to adhere to the prescribed rehabilitation program and follow-up with regular appointments to monitor progress.