Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
A Condition Causing Shoulder Stiffness, Pain, and Restricted Range of Motion
Frozen shoulder, or ‘adhesive capsulitis’, is a prevalent and often frustrating condition that can significantly restrict the movement of your shoulder. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, leading to pain and limited mobility. Everyday activities such as dressing, lifting, or reaching for objects can become challenging. While frozen shoulder may take months or even years to fully resolve, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment and care. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for alleviating pain, improving mobility, and restoring the full function of your shoulder.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissues around your shoulder joint become thick and tight, resulting in scarring that restricts movement. While the exact cause often remains unclear, several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing this condition:
- Shoulder injury or surgery: Following surgery or an injury, immobilisation of your shoulder can lead to stiffness and ultimately frozen shoulder.
- Medical conditions: Individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular diseases are at a heightened risk of developing frozen shoulders.
- Age and gender: This condition is more common among individuals aged 40 to 60, with women being disproportionately affected compared to men.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct stages, each characterised by varying degrees of pain and stiffness:
- Freezing Stage: Gradual increase in shoulder pain accompanied by progressively limited movement.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness persists, severely restricting the shoulder’s range of motion.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in range of motion as the shoulder begins to heal.
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain: A persistent dull ache, particularly noticeable during movement or at night.
- Stiffness: Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as reaching overhead or behind your back.
- Weakness: Reduced movement can lead to weakness in the shoulder muscles over time.
- Limited mobility: As the condition progresses, the shoulder may feel “locked” or “frozen,” drastically restricting its movement.
How a Frozen Shoulder is Diagnosed
To accurately diagnose frozen shoulder, your GP or physiotherapist at Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic will conduct several assessments:
- Physical examination: A thorough evaluation of your shoulder’s range of motion, flexibility, and any areas of tenderness.
- Patient history: A discussion regarding any prior injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms.
- Imaging tests: X-rays can rule out other shoulder problems, while an MRI may provide detailed images of the soft tissues surrounding your joint.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment for frozen shoulders focuses on alleviating pain and enhancing shoulder mobility. The experienced team at Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic may recommend the following treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or NSAIDs, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises guided by a physiotherapist can improve flexibility and strengthen shoulder muscles, aiding in the restoration of movement.
- Heat and cold therapy: Heat packs can alleviate stiffness, while cold packs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stay active: Maintaining gentle movement within a comfortable range is essential to prevent further stiffness.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections can effectively reduce inflammation and pain, particularly during the early stages of the condition.
- Hydro-dilatation: This procedure involves injecting fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical options do not yield sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be considered. A referral to Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic. may be necessary to discuss the following surgical options:
- Shoulder Manipulation: Performed under anaesthesia, this procedure gently moves the shoulder in various directions to break up scar tissue and improve range of motion.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and an arthroscope to access the shoulder joint.Our Surgeons can release tight areas of the joint capsule, facilitating improved movement and reduced stiffness.
If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving your arm that lasts for several weeks, it’s vital to seek medical attention. Early intervention can help prevent further loss of movement and enhance your recovery. At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for frozen shoulders, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment tailored to your needs.
