Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and a reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. While it can significantly impact daily activities, the good news is that most people recover with proper treatment and time.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and inflamed. This leads to the formation of scar tissue, which restricts movement. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors can increase your risk:
- Prolonged Immobilization: After surgery or injury, limited shoulder movement can lead to frozen shoulder.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease are commonly associated with this condition and may result in a more prolonged recovery and severe syndrome.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people aged 40 to 60, particularly women.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Shoulder pain gradually worsens, and range of motion begins to decrease. This stage may last 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may improve, but stiffness becomes the primary issue, limiting movement. This stage can last 4 to 12 months.
- Thawing Stage: Range of motion gradually improves, and normal shoulder function returns over several months.
In total, it often takes 12-18 months to completely improve and in those with autoimmune conditions, it may take upwards of 24+ months.
Treatment Options
Most cases of frozen shoulder can be managed without surgery. Here’s how:
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility. Consistency is key during this process. Doing the range of motion exercises routinely all throughout the day is very important.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint. In the first 6-9 months of symptoms, they may decrease the duration and severity of the syndrome.
Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding activities that worsen pain while gently moving the shoulder can help prevent further stiffness.
Direct Procedure: In some instances, surgery may be necessary to loosen the shoulder’s joint capsule effectively to allow physical therapy to maintain the results long-term.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from frozen shoulder takes time and patience. Most people see significant improvement within 12 to 18 months, but full recovery can take up to two years. The key is sticking to your treatment plan and working closely with your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
When to Seek Expert Care to Regain Your Shoulder Function
If shoulder pain or stiffness persists despite initial self-care measures or if it’s interfering with daily life, it’s time to consult a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon. We can help determine the severity of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to speed your recovery.
Frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but with the right care, you can overcome it. My goal as a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon is to guide you through your recovery journey, offering expertise and support every step of the way.
Shoulder pain and stiffness can make everyday tasks impossible. Contact my office in Dallas or Frisco now if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Please call (214) 720-9338 to request an appointment or consultation with my team at Carrell Clinic. Together, we’ll restore your shoulder function and help you get back to your active lifestyle.
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