Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which there is pain and stiffness or motion loss in the shoulder.

Frozen shoulder most often affect people between 40 and 60 years old, is more common in women and does not appear to be linked to arm dominance or occupation.

What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs as the area around the shoulder joint thickens and contracts. However, the reasons for the condition are not fully understood. It sometimes occurs after the shoulder is immobilized for some period of time. Frozen shoulder is more common among individuals with diabetes, impacting roughly 10-20% of this population.

The increased likelihood of frozen shoulder is also linked to the following medical problems:

· Parkinson's disease

· Cardiac disease or surgery

· Hyperthyroidism

· Hypothyroidism

What are the symptoms?

The most frequent symptoms of frozen shoulder are restricted motion and pain. The pain is worse when trying to reach beyond the restricted motion of the shoulder during activities away from the body or overhead. Many people can no longer reach behind their back to get dressed.

During the initial phase of frozen shoulder, any movement causes pain.

During the next phase, activity in front of the body is less painful, and the pain only becomes severe when reaching above the shoulder or out to the side.

How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

Your provider will examine your shoulder listen to your symptoms. X-rays can help confirm the diagnosis by making sure there is no other potential condition causing pain or restricting shoulder motion.

How is frozen shoulder treated?

There are various treatments for frozen shoulder. Even though the condition usually gets better on its own, improvement can take one to two years. Over 90% of patients improve with non-surgical treatments, including the following:

• Home Stretching Program, including the supine elevation stretch, external rotation stretch and behind the back stretch
• Heat
• Corticosteroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications