Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness and gradually reduces movement in the shoulder joint. Simple activities such as dressing, combing your hair, reaching for a shelf, or putting your hand behind your back can become difficult. Although frozen shoulder can be frustrating and may take months to improve, appropriate treatment and rehabilitation can help restore movement and reduce pain.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule of tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight. As the capsule contracts, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and painful. The condition commonly develops gradually and can affect one shoulder or, in some people, both shoulders at different times.
Frozen shoulder is different from ordinary shoulder pain because the main problem is a significant restriction in the shoulder’s range of motion. Both active movement, when you move your arm yourself, and passive movement, when another person or clinician moves your arm, can become limited.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Sometimes there is no clear cause. This is known as primary or idiopathic frozen shoulder. In other cases, it develops after an injury, surgery or a period when the shoulder has not been moved normally.
- Previous shoulder injury or surgery
- Keeping the arm or shoulder still for a prolonged period
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Other conditions that affect normal shoulder movement
- Increasing age, particularly during middle age
People who have recently had a fracture, surgery or another painful shoulder problem may be at greater risk because they naturally avoid moving the joint.
Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The symptoms usually develop gradually. The most common symptoms include:
- Persistent aching or pain in the shoulder
- Increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Pain that may become worse at night or when lying on the affected side
- Difficulty lifting the arm above the head
- Difficulty reaching behind the back, such as fastening clothing
- Problems with everyday activities because of restricted movement
If shoulder pain and stiffness are getting progressively worse, an orthopaedic assessment can help determine whether frozen shoulder or another shoulder condition is responsible.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
1. Freezing Stage
Pain gradually increases and shoulder movement starts to become restricted. This stage can last for several weeks or months.
2. Frozen Stage
Pain may become less intense for some people, but stiffness can become more pronounced. Everyday movements may remain difficult.
3. Thawing Stage
Shoulder movement gradually improves. Recovery can be slow, and the overall course varies from person to person.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
A diagnosis is usually based on your symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor will assess shoulder movement and may compare the affected shoulder with the other side. X-rays or other imaging tests may sometimes be recommended to rule out conditions such as arthritis, a fracture or other causes of shoulder pain.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, how long the condition has been present and your overall health. The goal is to control pain while gradually restoring shoulder movement.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Guided physiotherapy and appropriate stretching exercises are commonly used to maintain and gradually improve shoulder movement. Exercises should be selected according to your condition and performed consistently. Forcing a painful shoulder aggressively can make symptoms worse, so professional guidance is important.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
Your doctor may recommend appropriate pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication when suitable for you. Medication can help make movement and rehabilitation more comfortable. Not every medicine is appropriate for every patient, so it is important to follow medical advice.
Steroid Injection
In selected patients, a corticosteroid injection may provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation and may make physiotherapy easier during the painful stage. Your orthopaedic specialist can determine whether an injection is appropriate.
Manipulation or Surgery
Most people improve with non-surgical treatment. However, if severe stiffness continues despite appropriate conservative treatment, an orthopaedic specialist may discuss procedures such as manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic treatment. These options are considered on an individual basis.
How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Take to Recover?
Recovery varies considerably. Frozen shoulder can take many months and sometimes longer to move through its different stages. Early assessment, appropriate pain control and a structured rehabilitation program can help patients work toward better movement and function.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
You should consider medical assessment if shoulder pain or stiffness persists, is getting worse, interferes with sleep, or makes normal activities difficult. It is especially important to seek professional advice after an injury or surgery, or if you have a condition such as diabetes and develop significant shoulder stiffness.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can significantly affect daily life, but it is a treatable condition and many patients regain useful shoulder movement with appropriate care. The right treatment depends on the cause, stage and severity of the problem. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or stiffness in Peshawar, an evaluation by an experienced orthopaedic specialist can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Medical note: This article is for general educational information and does not replace an examination or personalized medical advice. If you have severe pain, a significant injury, sudden weakness, numbness or other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical assessment.