Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that affects the shoulder joint.

It most commonly occurs in individuals between the ages of 40 and 70, more often in women, and is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder is a progressive condition that can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, and it can greatly impact your daily activities.

Understanding the symptoms and treatments for frozen shoulder is important for proper diagnosis and management of the condition.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder usually occur in three stages, each lasting several months. These stages include:.

Stage 1: Freezing Stage

In the early stages of frozen shoulder, you may feel pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. These symptoms gradually worsen over time and can make it difficult to move your shoulder.

Stage 2: Frozen Stage

During this stage, the pain in your shoulder may begin to subside, but the stiffness in the joint will persist.

You will have much less range of motion in your shoulder, and it may be difficult or painful to perform simple actions like brushing your hair or reaching for objects.

Stage 3: Thawing Stage

During the final stage of frozen shoulder, pain and stiffness in your shoulder will begin to diminish.

You may start to see improvement in your shoulder’s range of motion, and you’ll be able to perform more actions with less pain and discomfort.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is caused by the thickening and tightening of the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but certain factors may increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder. These factors include:.

Age – people between ages 40-70 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder
Gender – women are more prone to developing this condition
Injury or surgery – previous injury or surgery of the shoulder can lead to frozen shoulder
Medical conditions – certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder

Remedies for Frozen Shoulder

If you suspect you have frozen shoulder, it is important to get examined by a healthcare professional. Treatment for frozen shoulder usually involves physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder. Your therapist will work with you to develop an exercise program that will help to gradually improve your range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness.

Physical therapy can also improve the strength of the muscles surrounding your shoulder joint.

Medication

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroids to ease the symptoms.

Surgery

If other treatment options fail or if your frozen shoulder is very severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery for frozen shoulder involves removing scar tissue and other structures that are restricting movement in your shoulder joint.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While there is no foolproof way to prevent frozen shoulder, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition:.

Stay active and maintain good shoulder mobility through regular exercise
Avoid injury to your shoulder joint
Treat medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease that can increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is a painful and debilitating condition that can greatly impact your daily life. Understanding the symptoms and treatments for this condition is important for proper diagnosis and management.

If you suspect you have frozen shoulder, be sure to seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.