What is Frozen Shoulder? What are the treatments?

Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It is a condition of unknown etiology that occurs in the absence of a known intrinsic shoulder disorder and is characterized by significant limitation in active and passive shoulder movements.

What are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Patients with frozen shoulder usually experience a significant decrease in active and passive range of motion and severe pain in the glenohumeral joint. This condition is more common in women. Patients experience insidious shoulder stiffness and their pain increases, especially at night. Passive and active external rotation of the shoulder may be almost completely lost.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is classified as primary or secondary. Primary idiopathic frozen shoulder is often associated with diabetes, and people with systemic conditions such as thyroid or Parkinson's disease are at higher risk. Secondary adhesive capsulitis may occur after shoulder injuries or immobilization, for example, conditions such as rotator cuff tendon tear, subacromial impingement, biceps tenosynovitis and calcific tendinitis may cause frozen shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Stages:

Frozen shoulder usually progresses in three stages:

Freezing Phase: In this phase, patients experience severe pain. Heat or an ice pack may be applied to reduce pain. Gentle shoulder mobilization exercises should be performed. The patient should start with short-term range of motion exercises. Aggressive stretching exercises should be avoided during the painful phase.

Frozen Phase: Strengthening exercises are added in this phase. Patients gain strength and return to range of motion.

Resolution Phase: Patients gradually return to range of motion. Strengthening exercises are important and should be done to allow the shoulder to return to normal.

Treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoid injections, physical therapy and exercises.

The treatment process may vary depending on the stage of frozen shoulder, the patient's condition, and how early treatment is started. The patient must follow the correct treatment plan under the supervision of a doctor.