A Guide to Understanding and Managing Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is typically caused by inflammation or scarring of the shoulder joint’s capsule, which is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the shoulder joint. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury or surgery to the shoulder, prolonged inactivity (such as bed rest or a cast), and certain medical conditions (such as diabetes).

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The most common symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, particularly when trying to move the arm. This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as dressing, driving, or even reaching for objects. In some cases, the pain may radiate down the arm.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Treatment for frozen shoulder typically begins with pain management and increasing range of motion. This may involve the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles, and/or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the scar tissue that is causing the restriction in movement.

It’s important to work with a trained healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve mobility in the shoulder joint, which can take several months to achieve.

Prevention

While it may not always be possible to prevent frozen shoulder, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Avoiding shoulder injuries and surgeries whenever possible

• Keeping the shoulder joint mobile, even during periods of inactivity

• Working with a healthcare professional to manage medical conditions that may increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder

If you are experiencing pain or stiffness in your shoulder joint, it’s important to seek medical attention. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, it is possible to recover from frozen shoulder and regain full mobility in your shoulder.