What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thick and tight. This causes the shoulder to become stiff and painful, making it hard to move. The condition usually develops slowly and can affect one or both shoulders.
Frozen Shoulder typically progresses through three stages:
Freezing Stage: You may experience a gradual increase in shoulder pain, especially when moving your arm. This pain can make it hard to sleep and do daily activities.
Frozen Stage: The pain might lessen, but your shoulder will remain very stiff. Moving your shoulder becomes more difficult, and you may find it hard to perform tasks like reaching or lifting.
Thawing Stage: Over time, the shoulder’s movement begins to improve, and the pain decreases. Full recovery can take several months or even years.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always known, but some factors can increase the risk:
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and it may be more severe in these individuals.
Shoulder Injury or Surgery: If you’ve had an injury or surgery that required you to keep your shoulder still for a long time, you might be at risk.
Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is most common in people aged 40 to 60 and is more frequent in women.
Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, like heart disease or stroke, can also contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
Treatment options for Frozen Shoulder
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and treat a Frozen Shoulder:
Physiotherapy: Exercises designed to improve shoulder movement and strength can be very effective. A physical therapist can guide you through these exercises.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Home Exercises: Simple exercises you can do at home may help maintain shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness.
Surgery: In rare cases, if other treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary to release the tight tissue around the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating and painful condition, but understanding it can help you manage it better. With the right treatment and patience, most people experience significant improvement and can return to their normal activities.
If you think you might have frozen shoulder, it’s a good idea to consult with a Healthagon healthcare professional who will assist you with a personalized treatment plan and set you on a path to recovery. Connect with our experts today.
