What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen Shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and progresses through three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
During the freezing stage, there is a gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The frozen stage involves a persistent stiffness in the shoulder joint, limiting its range of motion. Finally, during the thawing stage, there is a gradual improvement in shoulder mobility.
Side Effects of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
The main symptoms of Frozen Shoulder include:
- Pain: Persistent dull or aching pain in the shoulder joint, especially during movement.
- Stiffness: Gradual onset of stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as reaching overhead or behind the back.
- Limited Range of Motion: Reduced ability to move the shoulder joint freely in all directions.
How is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder typically involves:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine your shoulder joint to assess the range of motion, degree of pain, and stiffness.
- Medical History: Discussion about your symptoms, any previous injuries or conditions related to the shoulder.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other causes of shoulder pain and to confirm the diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder.
Potential Treatments of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Treatment options for Frozen Shoulder aim to reduce pain and restore shoulder mobility. These may include:
- Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy sessions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
- Hydrodilatation: A procedure where sterile saline solution is injected into the shoulder joint to help stretch the capsule and improve range of motion.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): In some cases, a specialist may perform a procedure to move the shoulder joint while you are under anesthesia, to help loosen the tightened capsule.
- Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgery may be considered to remove scar tissue or release the tightened capsule.
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