What is Frozen Shoulder and What Can Be Done for It?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition typically progresses through three stages: the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage, each with distinct symptoms and duration.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder:
- Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain, often worsening over time. As pain increases, shoulder movement becomes more restricted.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may begin to decrease, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, significantly limiting the range of motion.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in shoulder movement and reduction in pain, although full recovery can take months to years.
Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not well understood, but it often occurs after shoulder injuries, surgeries, or prolonged immobilization. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Treatment Approaches:
- Physiotherapy: A cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment, physiotherapy focuses on pain relief, improving range of motion, and restoring shoulder function. Techniques include gentle stretching exercises, joint mobilization, and strengthening exercises tailored to the stage of the condition.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation. Pain relief allows for more effective participation in physiotherapy.
- Hydrodilatation:This procedure involves injecting a large volume of saline, often mixed with a corticosteroid, into the shoulder joint. The goal is to stretch the joint capsule, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Hydrodilatation is typically performed under imaging guidance for accuracy.
- Home Exercises: Maintaining a regular home exercise routine is essential for managing frozen shoulder. Exercises should be done as recommended by a physiotherapist to avoid aggravating the condition.
Surgical Intervention: In severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery may be considered to release the tight joint capsule and improve mobility.
Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for managing frozen shoulder effectively. With appropriate care, most individuals can achieve significant improvement in pain and shoulder function.