Why Frozen Shoulder Happens and the Proven Treatments to Get You Moving Again

ByDr Nawaid Ahmed

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Over time, the condition limits movement, leading to significant discomfort and decreased range of motion. This article explores why frozen shoulder happens and the proven shoulder treatment for you to help you regain full mobility and live pain-free once again.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a disorder that affects the shoulder joint, which is a ball and socket joint. The condition causes the capsule around the joint to thicken and tighten, restricting movement. It usually develops gradually and can last for months or even years, making everyday activities like lifting, reaching, or dressing extremely difficult.

Typically, a frozen shoulder develops in three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: During this stage, the pain gradually increases, and the shoulder becomes stiffer. This stage can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.

2. Frozen Stage: The pain might subside during this stage, but the stiffness remains, and movement becomes severely limited. This stage can last anywhere from 4 months to a year.

3. Thawing Stage: This stage is when the shoulder begins to regain its range of motion slowly, and pain decreases. Full recovery can take up to 2 to 3 years.

Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?

Frozen shoulder usually occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60, with women being more likely to develop the condition than men. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, several risk factors and conditions are linked to the development of frozen shoulder:

1. Injury or Surgery: Any trauma or surgery to the shoulder can lead to the condition. After an injury, the body may restrict movement to protect the area, which can cause stiffness over time. Common surgeries that can lead to frozen shoulder include rotator cuff surgery or stroke.

2. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder. The reason for this link is not completely clear, but it is believed that diabetes affects the tissues around the shoulder, causing inflammation and stiffness.

3. Age and Gender: As mentioned, frozen shoulder is most common in individuals between 40 and 60 years old, and women are at a higher risk.

4. Immobilization: After a shoulder injury, if the shoulder is kept immobile for an extended period, it can cause the joint capsule to tighten, leading to the development of frozen shoulder.

5. Other Health Conditions: Other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, and Parkinson’s disease, have also been linked to an increased risk of frozen shoulder.

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Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The main symptoms of a frozen shoulder are:

  • Pain: This is often felt in the outer part of the shoulder and can range from mild to severe. The pain can be constant or can worsen with movement.
  • Stiffness: Limited range of motion is one of the key signs. The shoulder joint feels “frozen,” making it difficult or impossible to lift the arm above the head or reach behind the back.
  • Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks: Simple actions like combing your hair, putting on a shirt, or reaching for an object may become challenging due to restricted movement.

Proven Treatments to Get You Moving Again

While a shoulder can be a challenging condition, there are several treatments available that can help restore motion and reduce pain. The key to a successful recovery is early intervention and following a structured treatment plan. Let’s explore the most common and effective treatments for frozen shoulder:

1. Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues around the shoulder joint. The goal of PT is to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Some of the exercises that might be included in your therapy are:

  • Pendulum Swing: This exercise involves gently swinging the arm in small circles while bending forward, helping to relieve stiffness in the shoulder.
  • Towel Stretch: By holding a towel behind your back, you can gently stretch the shoulder by pulling the towel with the opposite hand.
  • Cross-Body Stretch: This stretch targets the back and outer shoulder muscles by gently pulling the affected arm across your chest.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can help reduce pain and inflammation. Cold packs can numb the area and help with swelling, while heat packs can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation. A combination of both may be beneficial depending on your symptoms.

3. Surgery (For Severe Cases)

In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary. Surgery options for frozen shoulder include:

  • Shoulder Arthroscopy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder to remove scar tissue and adhesions. This allows the joint to regain its range of motion.
  • Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): If surgery is not recommended, a doctor may perform MUA, which involves gently manipulating the shoulder while the patient is under anesthesia to break up scar tissue and improve movement.

4. Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization techniques, often performed by physical therapists or chiropractors, involve gently moving the shoulder joint in specific directions to restore normal movement. This technique is particularly effective in the early stages of frozen shoulder and can help reduce stiffness and pain.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Frozen Shoulder?

The recovery time from frozen shoulder varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment methods used. Most people begin to see improvements after 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment. However, for full recovery, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years for the shoulder to return to normal.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While some factors, like age and genetics, are beyond control, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing frozen shoulder:

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise, especially shoulder exercises, can keep the joint flexible and strong. Try activities that encourage shoulder movement, such as swimming or yoga.
  • Avoid Prolonged Immobility: After an injury or surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice to avoid keeping the shoulder immobile for too long.
  • Manage Health Conditions: Keeping conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders under control can reduce your risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder can be a debilitating condition, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment approach, it’s possible to regain full mobility and enjoy a pain-free life again. Physical therapy, medication, and other non-invasive treatments offer significant relief for most individuals. In severe cases, surgery can help restore shoulder function. By understanding the causes and seeking appropriate treatment, you can overcome frozen shoulder and get back to living an active, pain-free life.