Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

What is frozen shoulder syndrome, and how is it treated?

Frozen shoulder syndrome (also called adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to understand what a frozen shoulder is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

At OrthoNeuro, we offer expert care for frozen shoulder and other shoulder-related conditions at our multiple locations in Columbus, OH. Our experienced orthopedic surgeons are here to help you regain your shoulder’s range of motion and reduce pain. Contact us today!

Understanding the Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade (scapula). The shoulder capsule encloses this joint, a strong connective tissue that surrounds the joint, providing stability while allowing a wide range of motion.

Frozen shoulder syndrome can be difficult because the pain may last for days or weeks at a time (freezing phase) and then resolve itself (thawing phase) only to return a few weeks or months later.

Full recovery may take up to 3 years.

What is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?

Frozen shoulder syndrome is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting shoulder motion. The condition often develops in stages, each lasting several months.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Common symptoms include severe pain in the shoulder, stiffness, and limited range of motion that makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Frozen shoulder symptoms typically progress through three stages:

Freezing Stage: During this stage, any movement of your shoulder causes pain, and your shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited.
Frozen Stage: Pain may begin to diminish, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, significantly affecting your ability to move your shoulder.
Thawing Stage: The range of motion in your shoulder begins to improve.

The Causes of a Frozen Shoulder

The exact reason why frozen shoulder occurs is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition:

Immobilization: Prolonged shoulder immobilization, often due to surgery, fracture, or other injuries, can lead to a frozen shoulder.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Other Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiovascular disease, are associated with a higher incidence of frozen shoulder.

How is Frozen Shoulder Identified?

To diagnose frozen shoulder, our orthopedic surgeons will perform a physical exam and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will assess your shoulder’s active range and passive range of motion.

They may gently pull or move your shoulder in different directions to evaluate its flexibility and pain response (passive range). They will compare this to the (active) range, in which you can move your shoulder without assistance.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRI, can help rule out other conditions, like a rotator cuff tear or arthritis that might be causing your shoulder pain.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

The board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands of patients with frozen shoulder syndrome return to an active and healthy lifestyle using a variety of treatment options.

At OrthoNeuro, most cases of frozen shoulder syndrome are managed using conservative treatment options, and surgery for frozen shoulder syndrome is not often needed. We can provide the following treatments:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for a frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve your shoulder’s range of motion.

Medications

To manage pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections. These treatments can help reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to perform physical therapy exercises.

Surgical Options

In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgical options may be considered. These can include:

Shoulder Manipulation: Under anesthesia, the doctor will move your shoulder joint to break up scar tissue.
Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions from the shoulder joint capsule.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While it may not always be possible to prevent a frozen shoulder, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Keep Moving: Regularly move your shoulder through its full range of motion to prevent stiffness.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Control chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders with appropriate medical care.
Post-Injury Care: Following shoulder injury or surgery, follow your doctor’s recommendations for rehabilitation exercises to maintain shoulder motion.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience persistent shoulder pain or stiffness that affects your daily activities, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your chances of a full recovery.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Specialist Today!

At OrthoNeuro, our dedicated team is here to provide personalized care and effective treatments for frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a specialist at one of our convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

Medically reviewed by B. Rodney Comisar, MD, FAAOS

Sources

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.