Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint. It causes stiffness, pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder. The condition often develops gradually and worsens over time.

Here’s everything you need to know about frozen shoulder, including its causes and treatment options.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it is believed to result from inflammation in the shoulder joint. The inflammation causes the capsule surrounding the joint to thicken and tighten.

As a result, there is less synovial fluid in the joint, which is essential for lubrication and mobility.

Some factors that can increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder include:.

Age – people over 40 are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder
Gender – women are more likely than men to develop the condition
Underlying health conditions – diabetes, heart disease, and stroke can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder
Recent injury or surgery – immobilization of the shoulder joint can lead to frozen shoulder

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder often develop gradually and worsen over time. There are three stages of frozen shoulder:.

Stage 1 (Freezing)

During the freezing stage, the shoulder gradually becomes more painful and stiff. The pain is often worse at night and can interfere with sleep.

The range of motion in the shoulder begins to decrease, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching up or behind your back.

Stage 2 (Frozen)

During the frozen stage, the pain may start to ease slightly, but the stiffness persists. The shoulder is often very stiff, and the range of motion is severely limited.

It can be difficult to perform even simple tasks such as combing your hair or getting dressed.

Stage 3 (Thawing)

During the thawing stage, the stiffness gradually begins to improve, and the range of motion in the shoulder returns. The pain may also start to ease during this stage, and most people report significant improvement in their symptoms.

However, it can take several months or even years for full recovery.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

There are several treatment options available for frozen shoulder. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and stiffness and improve range of motion in the shoulder. Some of the most common treatment options include:.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often recommended for people with frozen shoulder. The therapist will use a variety of exercises and techniques to help improve range of motion in the shoulder.

This may include stretching exercises, joint mobilization, and massage therapy.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder. In some cases, prescription medication may be necessary to manage more severe pain.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can be an effective treatment for frozen shoulder. The injections help to reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint, which can relieve pain and improve range of motion. In some cases, multiple injections may be necessary.

Surgery

In very severe cases of frozen shoulder, surgery may be necessary. During the procedure, the surgeon will manipulate the shoulder joint to break up the scar tissue and improve range of motion.

This is typically a last resort treatment option and is only recommended in extreme cases.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing frozen shoulder. These include:.

Stay active – regular exercise can help keep your joints loose and mobile
Avoid immobilization – try to avoid keeping your shoulder joint immobilized for extended periods of time
Stretch regularly – stretching exercises can help improve range of motion in the shoulder and prevent stiffness
Manage underlying health conditions – if you have diabetes, heart disease, or another underlying health condition, work with your healthcare provider to manage it effectively

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is a condition that can cause significant pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and improve range of motion in the shoulder. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness in your shoulder, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.