Shoulder periarthritis, also known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women than men.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for shoulder periarthritis.

Causes of Shoulder Periarthritis

The exact cause of shoulder periarthritis is unknown. However, it is thought to be the result of several factors such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or a history of shoulder injury or surgery. Other risk factors for shoulder periarthritis include:.

Age – as the body ages, the shoulder joint becomes less flexible and more prone to stiffness
Sex – women are more likely to develop shoulder periarthritis than men
Health – certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing the condition

Symptoms of Shoulder Periarthritis

The symptoms of shoulder periarthritis are characterized by three phases:.

Phase 1: Freezing (6-12 weeks)

During this phase, the patient may experience:.

Pain in the shoulder joint
Stiffness in the shoulder joint
Limited range of motion

Phase 2: Frozen (4-6 months)

During this phase, the patient may experience:.

Continued shoulder pain
Increased stiffness in the shoulder joint
Noticeably limited range of motion

Phase 3: Thawing (6-12 months)

During this phase, the patient may experience:.

Decreased shoulder pain
Gradual improvement in range of motion and stiffness

Diagnosis of Shoulder Periarthritis

When diagnosing shoulder periarthritis, the doctor will perform a physical examination to assess range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

The doctor may also perform imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to get a clearer picture of the shoulder joint.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Periarthritis

Treatment options for shoulder periarthritis may include:.

Physical Therapy – exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility
Pain Management – medication or injection therapy to help relieve shoulder pain
Surgery – in rare cases, surgery may be required to release the stiffened shoulder joint

Preventing Shoulder Periarthritis

There are several things that can be done to help prevent shoulder periarthritis:.

Stretching – stretching regularly can help improve flexibility and prevent stiffness
Exercise – regular exercise can help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion
Proper posture – maintaining good posture can help prevent shoulder strain and pain
Healthy lifestyle – maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing shoulder periarthritis

Conclusion

Shoulder periarthritis is a painful and restrictive condition that can impact daily activities. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can recover.

If you experience shoulder pain or stiffness, speak with your doctor to determine if you may be suffering from shoulder periarthritis.