Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive Capsulitis
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition characterized by stiffening and loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically affects individuals aged 40–60, often after a period of immobilization or injury
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
- Post‑Injury Immobilization
- After an injury (e.g., fractures or rotator cuff strains), the shoulder may be immobilized for extended periods. This inactivity encourages scar tissue formation within the capsule, leading to stiffness
- Underlying Medical Conditions
- People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or heart disease are at higher risk. These conditions contribute to capsule fibrosis and shoulder pain
- Age & Gender Factors
- Most common between ages 40–60, often affecting women more than men
- Post‑Surgical Immobility
- Even after minimally invasive procedures, failure to move the shoulder early can result in frozen shoulder due to capsule tightness
- Inflammation & Autoimmune Responses
- Inflammatory processes within the shoulder capsule, sometimes related to autoimmune activity, can trigger or worsen the condition.
Frozen shoulder symptoms
There are three phases:
- The joint begins to tighten and shoulder aching gradually increases.
- Sleeping on the affected shoulder induces pain.
- Reduced shoulder movement capacities and greater stiffness
- Difficulty completing everyday activities
- The abilities of shoulder muscles may continue to decrease due to lack of use.
- Mobility progressively increases.
- Gradual decrease in pain
Frozen shoulder treatments
As early intervention can prevent complex, long-term conditions, speak to Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the addressed symptoms.
Dr Brumby-Rendell advises that you regularly move your shoulder, even if small pendulum motions are all you can manage.
Treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication which aims to lessen swelling and pain
- Exercises to stretch the shoulder
- Application of heat
- Stimulating nerves and muscles via electrical means
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery (should all other treatments be ineffective) - keyhole surgical techniques may be used to perform an arthroscopic capsular release.
- If surgery is required, a tailored rehabilitation program will be provided by Dr Brumby-Rendell.
In most frozen shoulder cases, the issues will correct themselves, either independently or in conjunction with physiotherapy, within 1 to 3 years.
Once you have a referral…
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