Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, severely limits shoulder mobility and causes persistent pain. Seeking treatment in Pune is crucial for tailored care. Understanding its causes, including prolonged immobilization, medical conditions, age, gender, and previous injuries, is essential. Symptoms include shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, impacting daily activities. Treatment options in Pune encompass physical therapy, pain management with NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections, and surgical interventions like arthroscopy or manipulation under anaesthesia. Collaborating with a shoulder specialist ensures personalized treatment plans, including exercises, joint mobilization, and medication. Early intervention and targeted therapy are vital for managing a frozen shoulder effectively and regaining optimal shoulder function. Expert care in Pune offers hope for those grappling with this challenging condition, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment approaches.

Frozen shoulder, medically termed adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by inflammation and stiffness of the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. This condition leads to the formation of scar tissue within the joint capsule, causing it to thicken and tighten. As a result, individuals experience persistent shoulder pain and a progressive loss of mobility. Common causes of frozen shoulder include prolonged immobilization due to injury, surgery, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders. Age, gender, and previous shoulder injuries also play a role in its development. Symptoms typically include shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, which can significantly impact daily activities. Understanding the underlying causes and symptoms of frozen shoulder is crucial for accurate diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring shoulder function.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Prolonged Immobilization: Extended periods of immobilization due to injury, surgery, or medical conditions can lead to the development of a frozen shoulder.

  • Medical Illnesses: Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease are associated with an increased risk of frozen shoulder.
  • Age: Individuals between 40 to 60 years old are more susceptible to developing frozen shoulder.
  • Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop frozen shoulder.
  • Previous Injuries: Individuals with a history of shoulder injuries are at higher risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.
  • Anatomical Variations: Certain anatomical factors may predispose individuals to frozen shoulder, although specific mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes may contribute to the development of a frozen shoulder, particularly in women.
  • Inflammatory Response: Alterations in the inflammatory response within the shoulder joint may play a role in the pathogenesis of a frozen shoulder.
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Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

  • Shoulder Pain: Persistent and dull pain in the shoulder joint, often worsening at night, is a hallmark symptom of a frozen shoulder.
  • Stiffness: Gradual onset of stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to perform daily activities like dressing or reaching overhead.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Decreased ability to move the shoulder freely in all directions, with movements becoming progressively restricted over time.
  • Difficulty Sleeping: Shoulder pain can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased overall well-being.
  • Pain with Movement: Pain is often exacerbated by movement of the affected shoulder, further limiting range of motion.
  • Difficulty Performing Activities: Individuals may struggle with tasks that involve raising the arm or reaching behind the back due to pain and stiffness.
  • Muscle Weakness: Prolonged disuse of the shoulder muscles due to limited movement can lead to muscle weakness and further exacerbate symptoms.
  • Gradual Onset: Symptoms typically develop gradually over time, with pain and stiffness becoming more pronounced as the condition progresses.
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Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available to help manage a frozen shoulder and improve shoulder function:

  • Physical Therapy: A tailored physical therapy program, including stretching exercises and joint mobilization techniques, can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility in the shoulder joint.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs or prescription painkillers may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with a frozen shoulder.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the shoulder joint can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation, improving mobility.
  • Capsular Distension: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve overall comfort and mobility.
  • Surgery: In cases where non-invasive treatment options fail, arthroscopic surgery or manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) may be considered to break up scar tissue and restore normal shoulder function.
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Frozen Shoulder Treatment

In conclusion, a frozen shoulder can significantly impact daily life by causing pain and limiting shoulder mobility. Seeking prompt medical attention from a frozen shoulder specialist in Pune is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, most individuals can experience significant improvement and regain shoulder function. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to minimizing the severity of a frozen shoulder and promoting optimal recovery.

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FAQ'S

Q1: How long does it take to recover from a frozen shoulder?

A: Recovery from a frozen shoulder can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. In general, recovery can take several months to a few years. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, many people experience significant improvement within a few months. However, some individuals may require longer periods of treatment and rehabilitation to regain full shoulder function.

Q2: Can a frozen shoulder recur after treatment?

A: While most people experience improvement and resolution of symptoms with proper treatment, a frozen shoulder can recur in some cases. Factors such as underlying medical conditions, previous shoulder injuries, and lifestyle factors may contribute to the recurrence of symptoms. However, with continued monitoring and appropriate management, recurrence can often be minimized or prevented. Individuals with a history of frozen shoulder need to maintain shoulder mobility through regular exercise and follow-up care to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Know Your Doctor
Dr. Prashant Parate – Consultant Frozen Shoulder Treatment Specialist

Dr. Prashant Parate is a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and has special interest in Frozen shoulder treatment. Dr. Prashant Parate has dedicated his career to offering specialized services in sports medicine with a keen interest in arthroscopy, trauma, and arthroplasty treatments for Shoulder disorders.

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Dr. Prashant Parate