Are you struggling with shoulder pain that’s limiting your mobility? You might be dealing with Frozen Shoulder. Read on to understand this condition and find out the best ways to treat it.

Frozen Shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and then resolves, usually within one to three years. Here’s a detailed look at the symptoms, causes, and various treatment options available.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The development of Frozen Shoulder can be divided into three stages, each with distinct symptoms:

1. Freezing Stage: The shoulder becomes stiff, and any movement causes pain. Movement of the shoulder becomes limited. This stage lasts for 6-9 months.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, the shoulder remains stiff, making it more difficult to use. This stage generally lasts 4-12 months.
3. Thawing Stage: Range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve. Complete return to normal or close to normal strength and motion typically occurs within 6 months to 2 years.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of Frozen Shoulder is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition:

• Age and Gender: People over the age of 40, particularly women, are more likely to develop Frozen Shoulder.
• Immobility or Reduced Mobility: Periods of reduced mobility, such as following an arm fracture or surgery, can increase the risk.
• Systemic Conditions: People with diabetes, overactive or underactive thyroid, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinson’s disease are at a higher risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder focuses on controlling pain and restoring normal movement and strength through physical therapy and sometimes medications. Here are some commonly used treatment methods:

• Physical Therapy: A cornerstone of treatment, which includes stretching exercises to improve mobility and strength gradually.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the shoulder joint can reduce pain and increase mobility, especially in the early stages of the disease.
• Surgery: In some cases where symptoms do not improve with other treatments, surgery might be necessary to loosen the stiff tissues around the shoulder.

Conclusion

Although Frozen Shoulder can be a painful and frustrating condition, the majority of people recover full shoulder function with the right treatment plan. If you suspect you have this condition, seeking early treatment can help speed up your recovery and minimize discomfort.