What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move. After a period of worsening symptoms, a frozen shoulder tends to get better, although full recovery may take up to 3 years. Physical therapy, with a focus on shoulder flexibility, is the primary treatment recommendation for frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and it occurs in women more often than men. In addition, people with diabetes and thyroid conditions are at an increased risk for developing frozen shoulder. However, a frozen shoulder can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes it may happen after an injury or surgery.
Stages of Frazon Shoulder
Freezing Stage
Increasing pain and stiffness.
Frozen Stage
Pain may decrease, but stiffness persists, restricting movement.
Thawing Stage
Gradual recovery of motion over time.
Causes
The causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood. There is no clear connection to arm dominance (the dominant arm is the arm you prefer to use for most tasks) or occupation. A few factors may put you more at risk for developing frozen shoulder.
Diabetes. Frozen shoulder occurs much more often in people with diabetes. The reason for this is not known. In addition, diabetic patients with frozen shoulder tend to have a greater degree of stiffness that continues for a longer time before “thawing.
Other diseases. Some additional medical problems associated with frozen shoulder include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac disease.
Immobilization. Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder has been immobilized (held in one position without moving) for a period of time due to surgery, a fracture, or other injury. Having patients move their shoulders soon after injury or surgery is one measure prescribed to prevent frozen shoulder.
Symptoms
Pain from frozen shoulder:
- Is usually dull or aching
- Is typically worse early in the course of the disease and when you move your arm
- Is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm