Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Symptoms and Treatments

What is a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint (shoulder joint capsule) becomes stiff, thick, and inflamed. 

This condition typically develops gradually and worsens over time. During this period, individuals may experience severe pain and a restricted range of motion, which can impact daily activities.

Causes of frozen shoulder

Although the precise cause of frozen shoulder remains unclear, a number of risk factors and conditions may play a role in its development. 

• Prolonged shoulder immobility

  • One of the most significant factors is prolonged shoulder immobility, which often occurs following accidents, surgeries, or the healing process. This can lead to the surrounding tissue becoming rigid and inflexible.

• Underlying health conditions

  • People with health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease have higher risks of getting frozen shoulder.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

Depending on the stage of the frozen shoulder, the symptoms may vary. The three main phases of frozen shoulder are as follows:

Freezing stage (painful stage)

• Duration: 

  • 6 weeks to 9 months

• Symptoms: 

  • The shoulder hurts when you move or sleep on it. 

  • The pain may begin mildly, initially affecting the outer shoulder, before intensifying and extending down the upper arm.

  • Limited range of motion in your shoulder, it can be challenging to reach behind your back, above your head, or rotate your arm.

Frozen stage (adhesive stage)

• Duration: 

  • 4 to 12 months

• Symptom: 

  • In this stage, the sharp pain often decreases or becomes more of a dull ache, particularly when the shoulder is at rest.

  • Other than that, the shoulder joint capsule becomes extremely stiff, making the range of movement severely restricted. Basic tasks like brushing your hair or getting dressed become nearly impossible.

Thawing stage (Recovery stage)

• Duration: 

  • 6 months to 2 years

• Symptom: 

  • The stiffness begins to decrease, and the range of motion improves. The shoulder gradually becomes less painful and more functional, the mobility of your shoulder has returned.

  • However, full recovery can take up to 2 years, and some people may still experience minor discomfort or stiffness even after the shoulder has "thawed.”

Are you experiencing the above symptoms and suspect that you may have a frozen shoulder? Request for an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder

To diagnose frozen shoulder, your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and any challenges you've had with moving the affected shoulder. 

They may then review your medical history and conduct a physical examination of the shoulder to assess its range of motion and check for any tenderness.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, healthcare professionals may perform imaging tests like X-rays to check for fractures and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess soft tissue around the affected shoulder.

What is the treatment for frozen shoulder?

Treatment for frozen shoulder typically focuses on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and preventing long-term stiffness. 

Available treatments for frozen shoulder are:

• Physical therapy:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises help to improve range of motion and strength. A physical therapist may also use manual therapy and joint mobilisations to improve movement.

• Medications: 

  • Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help decrease inflammation and relieve pain. 

  • To help decrease pain, corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint may be recommended.

• Hot/cold compresses:

  • Applying an ice pack or using a warm towel to compress the shoulder joint can help reduce discomfort, provide relief, and reduce inflammation.

• Invasive procedures:

  • Hydrodilatation, which involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the shoulder joint capsule and improve mobility.

  • A shoulder arthroscopic surgery may be necessary in a severe case to release the tightened capsule or remove the scar tissue.

How to prevent frozen shoulder

You should begin physical therapy as soon as you recover from an injury or surgery to reduce your risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Don't keep your shoulder immobile for too long.

To help in preventing this condition, you can consult with a healthcare provider from Thomson Medical about exercises that can help maintain mobility in your shoulder joint.

FAQ

Can frozen shoulder be cured?

Certainly, frozen shoulder conditions can resolve over time, although the healing process may be slow without proper treatment. Medication, physical therapy, and other therapies can speed up healing and reduce pain.

What is the cause of a frozen shoulder?

There is no definite cause of frozen shoulder, but there are a number of risk factors and conditions that could increase the risk of frozen shoulder, such as:

• Prolonged shoulder immobility after injuries or surgery.

• Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease.

How do you get rid of a frozen shoulder fast?

There's no immediate cure for frozen shoulder, but you could mitigate the symptoms with treatment, such as hot/cold compress packs, medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, and physical therapy.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.