Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
Are you experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness that’s making it difficult to perform daily tasks like combing your hair, wearing clothes, or reaching overhead? You might be suffering from a condition called Frozen Shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis.
This condition can severely limit your shoulder’s range of motion and, if left untreated, may take months or even years to recover. Fortunately, with timely diagnosis and proper medical care, you can regain full mobility and live pain-free.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint (the shoulder capsule) become thickened and inflamed. This inflammation causes the tissues to tighten, forming scar-like bands called adhesions — which restrict joint movement and lead to pain and stiffness.
This condition typically develops slowly and progresses through three stages:
Stage 1: Freezing
Gradual onset of pain
Movement becomes increasingly limited
Lasts 6 weeks to 9 months
Stage 2: Frozen
Pain may reduce, but stiffness worsens
Performing simple tasks becomes very difficult
Lasts 4 to 6 months
Stage 3: Thawing
Shoulder slowly regains movement
Pain and stiffness begin to fade
Lasts 6 months to 2 years
Signs & Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Pain in one or both shoulders
Difficulty lifting your arm above your head
Stiffness that worsens over time
Swelling and tenderness around the shoulder joint
Increased pain at night, disturbing your sleep
Restricted ability to perform day-to-day activities
Common Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several factors can increase your risk:
Diabetes — Over 20% of people with diabetes develop frozen shoulder
Thyroid disorders — Especially hypothyroidism
Prolonged immobility — After injury, surgery, or illness
Age & Gender — Most common between ages 40–60, and more frequent in women
Shoulder injury or surgery — Scar tissue formation can trigger stiffness
Effective Treatment Options
Early intervention can prevent worsening and lead to a quicker, more complete recovery. Treatment is generally focused on controlling pain and restoring mobility.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce swelling
Physiotherapy: Customized stretching and strengthening exercises
Hot/Cold Therapy: To relax shoulder muscles and manage pain
Steroid Injections: Cortisone shots to reduce inflammation
Hydrodilatation: Injecting fluid into the joint capsule to loosen it
Surgical Options (in severe cases):
Shoulder Manipulation: The doctor moves the shoulder while you’re under anesthesia to loosen the joint
Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive procedure to remove adhesions
Why Choose Timely Treatment?
Prevents long-term joint damage
Avoids need for major surgery
Restores independence and daily function
Improves quality of life
Contact Information :-
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Tripathi, Best Orthopedic Doctor in Raipur
Address : Opd number 4, ground floor, Urmila Memorial Hospital, Nahar Rd, Dhebar City, Bhatagaon, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492001
Mobile : +919927027506
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