Frozen Shoulder
A condition that causes stiffness and gradual loss of shoulder movement due to joint capsule inflammation
Frozen shoulder, or ‘adhesive capsulitis’, is a common yet frustrating condition that can severely limit your shoulder’s movement. It develops when the tissue surrounding your shoulder joint thickens and tightens, making everyday activities like dressing, lifting, or even reaching for an item on a shelf difficult. Although it can take months or even years to resolve, the good news is that frozen shoulder can be managed with proper treatment and care. Early diagnosis and intervention can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore your shoulder’s full function.
WHAT CAUSES A FROZEN SHOULDER
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues surrounding your shoulder joint become thickened and tight, causing scarring that restricts movement. While the exact cause is sometimes unclear, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Shoulder Injury or Surgery: Immobilisation of your shoulder after surgery or an injury can lead to stiffness and frozen shoulder.
- Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and affects women more often than men.
SYMPTOMS OF FROZEN SHOULDER
Frozen shoulder usually develops gradually and can go through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain in your shoulder gradually increases, and movement becomes more restricted.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may begin to decrease, but the stiffness remains, limiting your shoulder’s range of motion.
- Thawing Stage: The range of motion in your shoulder slowly begins to improve.
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder Pain: A dull or aching pain, especially when moving your shoulder or at night.
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving your arm or shoulder, particularly in everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind.
- Weakness: Your shoulder muscles may weaken due to the reduced movement.
- Limited Mobility: Over time, your shoulder may feel “locked” or “frozen,” limiting your range of motion.
HOW A FROZEN SHOULDER IS DIAGNOSED
To accurately diagnose a frozen shoulder, your GP or physiotherapist will carry out the following:
- Physical Examination: they will check your shoulder’s range of motion, flexibility, and tenderness.
- Patient History: You’ll be asked about previous injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays may be used to rule out other shoulder issues, while an MRI might be used for a detailed view of the soft tissues around your joint.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FROZEN SHOULDER
Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to relieve pain and improve movement in your shoulder. Your General Practitioner (GP) or Dr Liddell may suggest the following treatments:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Pain relievers such as paracetamol or NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen your shoulder muscles, helping to restore movement.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat packs can reduce stiffness, while cold packs help to minimise pain and inflammation.
- Staying Active: Try to keep your shoulder moving within your comfort zone to avoid worsening stiffness
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in the early stages of the condition.
- Hydro-Dilatation: A procedure where fluid is injected into your shoulder to stretch the joint capsule and improve movement.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended. A referral to Dr Liddell could be necessary to explore surgical options, which may include:
- Shoulder Manipulation: Performed under anaesthesia, this procedure involves gently moving your shoulder in various directions to break up scar tissue, helping to restore range of motion.
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to access the shoulder joint. Through these incisions, Dr Liddell can release tight areas of the joint capsule, improving movement and reducing stiffness.
If you’re experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving your arm that lasts for several weeks, it’s important to seek medical attention. Early intervention can prevent further loss of movement and ease your recovery.