What is frozen shoulder and can it be permanent? Explore the causes, diagnosis, and effective treatments for this condition. Get detailed insights and answers to common questions.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of movement in the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint. This joint, which consists of a ball (the humeral head) and a socket (the glenoid), normally allows for a wide range of motion. However, in a frozen shoulder, the joint has become “stuck” and its movement is severely limited.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Although the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, it is most often attributed to inflammation and scarring of the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the capsule. The capsule normally has folds that can expand and contract as the arm moves into different positions. In a frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes inflamed and scarring, known as adhesions, develops. As the capsule’s folds become scarred and tightened, shoulder movement becomes restricted and moving the joint becomes painful.

Factors that may contribute to the development of frozen shoulder include immobilization of the shoulder (after an injury or surgery), as well as inflammation of the muscles and/or tendons, such as in cases of rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder

The diagnosis of frozen shoulder typically begins with a comprehensive history and physical examination by a healthcare provider. They may order additional tests, such as X-rays, to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and limited mobility, such as arthritis or calcium deposits.

Can frozen shoulder be permanent?

No, frozen shoulder is generally not considered a permanent condition. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, the majority of patients with frozen shoulder are able to regain full or near-full range of motion in the affected shoulder.

Treating Frozen Shoulder

The primary goals of treatment for frozen shoulder are to increase range of motion and decrease pain. The most common approach involves a combination of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is usually the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will prescribe exercises and techniques to stretch the shoulder capsule and improve mobility. These may include the use of a wand, overhead pulleys, elastic cords, and other tools to gently stretch and mobilize the shoulder. The patient is also typically instructed to perform these exercises at home on a regular basis.

Medication

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), or Aleve, are often recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, the healthcare provider may also prescribe pain medications or steroid injections to the shoulder joint or surrounding bursa to further manage symptoms.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery process for frozen shoulder can vary, but it typically takes between 6 to 9 months for the condition to resolve almost completely. Supervised physical therapy may last from 1 to 6 weeks, with visits ranging from 1 to 3 times per week. Patients are encouraged to continue the prescribed stretching exercises at home throughout the healing process.

When is surgery indicated?

In most cases, the combination of physical therapy and medication is sufficient to improve range of motion and decrease pain. However, if non-operative treatments fail to provide significant improvement, surgery may be considered. During the surgical procedure, the physician may manipulate the shoulder under anesthesia to break down the scarring or use an arthroscope to release the tight capsule.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent frozen shoulder, maintaining good shoulder mobility and strength through regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing this condition, especially after an injury or surgery that requires immobilization of the shoulder.

Key Takeaways

• Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of shoulder movement, typically due to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder capsule.
• Frozen shoulder is not a permanent condition, and the majority of patients are able to regain full or near-full range of motion with proper treatment.
• The primary treatment for frozen shoulder involves a combination of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, with the goal of increasing range of motion and decreasing pain.
• Recovery from frozen shoulder can take several months, but regular stretching and exercise can help improve outcomes.
• In cases where non-operative treatments fail to provide significant improvement, surgery may be considered as a last resort.