Dr BurkeWhat Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move the arm. Over time, the condition can worsen, leading to a limited range of motion and significant discomfort. Frozen shoulder is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and can take several months to fully resolve. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating frozen shoulder with a range of conservative and surgical treatment options to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint (the shoulder capsule) becomes inflamed and thickens, restricting movement. This thickening and tightening of the capsule lead to pain and stiffness, limiting the shoulder’s range of motion. The condition progresses in stages:
- Freezing Stage: During this stage, pain develops, and shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted. This stage typically lasts 6-9 months.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease during this stage, but stiffness remains, making it difficult to move the shoulder. This stage can last 4-6 months.
- Thawing Stage: During the final stage, shoulder mobility slowly improves, and normal function gradually returns. The thawing stage can last several months to a year.
Frozen shoulder is often associated with prolonged immobility of the shoulder, such as after an injury or surgery, but it can also occur without any apparent cause.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Injury or Surgery: Immobilization of the shoulder after an injury, fracture, or surgery can lead to frozen shoulder. When the shoulder is not moved for an extended period, the connective tissue can stiffen and thicken.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. While the exact reason is unknown, frozen shoulder occurs more frequently in individuals with this condition.
- Other Health Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, and it is more prevalent in women than men.
In some cases, frozen shoulder develops without any clear cause, known as idiopathic frozen shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually over time and progresses through the stages mentioned earlier. Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder Pain: The pain is often located around the outer shoulder and can radiate down the arm. It is typically worse with movement and may become severe at night, disrupting sleep.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the shoulder joint makes it difficult to move the arm in various directions, such as reaching overhead or behind the back. Over time, the range of motion becomes increasingly limited.
- Decreased Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, even simple movements, such as lifting the arm, can become challenging or impossible.
Frozen shoulder can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, grooming, or reaching for objects. The stiffness and pain often worsen over time, but with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing frozen shoulder involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Specific diagnostic steps include:
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the range of motion in your shoulder by asking you to perform certain movements, such as lifting your arm overhead or rotating your shoulder. They will also check for pain and stiffness.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: While X-rays do not show frozen shoulder directly, they help rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis or a fracture.
- MRI or Ultrasound: These imaging tests may be used to get a detailed view of the soft tissues, including the shoulder capsule, to assess the extent of inflammation or thickening.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment for frozen shoulder at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain and restoring the range of motion in the shoulder. Depending on the severity of the condition, both non-surgical and surgical treatments may be recommended.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. A tailored rehabilitation program will include stretching and range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility and gradually increase shoulder movement. Therapy focuses on relieving stiffness and preventing further loss of mobility.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain, particularly during the early stages of frozen shoulder. These injections can be administered directly into the shoulder joint to ease stiffness and improve mobility.
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the shoulder before stretching exercises can help relax the muscles and improve flexibility.
- Joint Distension: In some cases, a procedure called joint distension may be used. This involves injecting sterile water into the shoulder joint to stretch the tissue and improve mobility.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely required for frozen shoulder, but it may be necessary in cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide relief after several months. Surgical options include:
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): During this procedure, the doctor gently moves the shoulder through a full range of motion while the patient is under anesthesia. This helps break up scar tissue and adhesions in the shoulder capsule.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to release the tight or thickened tissue around the shoulder joint. Small incisions are made, and a camera is used to guide the surgeon as they remove or cut through the restrictive tissue. This minimally invasive procedure can help restore normal movement.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery time for frozen shoulder varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For most patients, non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy and medications, provide relief within several months.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: With consistent physical therapy and home exercises, most patients begin to see improvements in shoulder mobility within 6-12 weeks. Recovery may take longer in more severe cases, but the majority of patients can regain full function without the need for surgery.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery can take several months. Physical therapy is essential after surgery to ensure proper healing, restore shoulder strength and flexibility, and prevent stiffness from returning.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, helping them achieve a full recovery and return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Frozen Shoulder?
Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers comprehensive care for patients with frozen shoulder, providing both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Our team of orthopedic specialists works closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans that focus on relieving pain, restoring shoulder function, and preventing future stiffness. With advanced diagnostic tools and the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is dedicated to helping patients recover fully and return to their daily activities with minimal disruption.