Frozen shoulder. A little bit of a funny description for a shoulder ailment, but the word ‘frozen’ tells you everything you need to know about the issue. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, it is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can significantly impact a person's range of motion. It typically begins slowly, then gets worse.
What leads to a frozen shoulder? Having to keep a shoulder still for a long period increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder. This might happen after unexpected injury, but in many cases a causative factor may not be identified. Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct phases: the freezing phase, the frozen phase, and the thawing phase.
Think inflammation to understand the ‘freezing’ phase. It starts with a gradual onset of shoulder pain, which worsens over time. Pain may be constant, and range of motion starts to decrease. Pain is often described as a dull ache, and it may interfere with sleep. The freezing phase can last 6 weeks to 9 months.
Stiffness is a key indicator in the ‘frozen’ phase. Pain may have decreased, but shoulder stiffness becomes more pronounced. The range of motion becomes severely restricted, and everyday activities become challenging. The frozen phase can last 4 to 6 months if not evaluated for treatment.
The ‘thawing’ phase represents action and rehabilitation. Physical examination is crucial. Tests may include assessing range of motion and checking for specific signs such as the loss of both active and passive shoulder movements. X-rays are usually performed to rule out other conditions, but they do not show frozen shoulder directly. MRI or ultrasound may be used to assess the extent of inflammation and capsule thickening.
Treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises; physical therapy. Sometimes treatment also involves corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint; Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) - the shoulder is gently manipulated while the patient is under anesthesia to break up adhesions and improve range of motion; arthroscopic surgery - needed only in situations to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.
Once thawed out, the shoulder regains its range of motion, and functionality returns. Rehabilitation is essential in regaining motion and most cases can be successfully managed with medications, injections and physical therapy.
Understanding frozen shoulder and its management can help in dealing with this challenging condition. Don’t find yourself stuck with frozen shoulder and allow pain to limit your life. A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can help determine an early diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing pain that interferes with daily activities or various forms of exercise/athletic competition, please do not hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with a specialist at McBride.
