Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, restricting movement. It typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, often due to immobility or injury. The shoulder gradually becomes more difficult to move, and pain can become constant, especially at night.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder develops in three stages:
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Freezing: Pain increases, and movement becomes more limited.
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Frozen: Pain lessens, but the shoulder becomes very stiff.
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Thawing: The range of motion improves over time, though recovery can take months.
Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes, certain thyroid conditions, or those recovering from shoulder surgery or injury. It can also develop after periods of immobility, such as from a fracture or prolonged rest.
How Orthopaedic Care Helps
Orthopaedic care is essential for relieving pain and restoring mobility in the shoulder. Here are some key treatment options:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
Early intervention is critical. An orthopaedic specialist will typically perform a physical exam and may use imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis. This helps in assessing the stage of the condition and ruling out other causes of shoulder pain.
2. Physical Therapy
A primary treatment for frozen shoulder is physical therapy, where specific exercises focus on improving the shoulder’s flexibility and strength. The goal is to stretch the stiff capsule and increase the range of motion gradually. A physical therapist will customize a plan based on the patient’s stage of frozen shoulder, and this may include:
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Stretching exercises to regain shoulder flexibility.
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Strengthening exercises to support joint function and prevent muscle weakness.
3. Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making it easier to engage in physical therapy. In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications, such as oral corticosteroids, to decrease inflammation.
4. Corticosteroid Injections
If pain and inflammation are severe, corticosteroid injections can provide rapid relief. These injections reduce inflammation and ease the pain, allowing patients to begin stretching exercises more comfortably and progress through physical therapy.
5. Manual Therapy
Joint mobilization techniques, provided by an orthopaedic specialist, help improve shoulder movement. This may involve gentle manipulation of the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and reduce stiffness.
6. Surgical Options
Surgery is typically a last resort, reserved for cases that don’t respond to non-invasive treatments. The two most common surgical interventions are:
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Arthroscopic Capsular Release: In this procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon uses a small camera to cut the tight portions of the capsule, allowing for increased mobility.
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Manipulation Under Anesthesia: In some cases, a doctor may manipulate the shoulder under anesthesia to break up the adhesions and improve movement.
Benefits of Seeking Orthopaedic Care
Orthopaedic care offers several key benefits:
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Faster Recovery: Professional treatments, such as physical therapy and corticosteroid injections, can speed up recovery and reduce long-term disability.
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Personalized Treatment: An orthopaedic specialist tailors the treatment plan based on the patient’s specific symptoms and stage of frozen shoulder.
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Pain Relief: Through medications, injections, and manual therapy, the pain associated with frozen shoulder can be managed effectively.
When to Seek Orthopaedic Care
If you experience persistent shoulder pain, a reduced range of motion, or difficulty with simple tasks such as reaching for items or getting dressed, it’s important to seek orthopaedic care. Early intervention can help prevent long-term damage and promote a quicker recovery.
Signs to seek help include:
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Gradual shoulder pain that worsens over time.
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Difficulty moving the arm, such as lifting or reaching.
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Pain that interrupts sleep, especially at night.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a treatable condition, and seeking orthopaedic care can significantly reduce pain, restore shoulder mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Early intervention is key, so don’t wait—contact an orthopaedic specialist near you for an evaluation today. Through a combination of physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgery, relief from frozen shoulder is achievable.
