What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful condition that leads to the gradual loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. This condition typically develops slowly over time and can significantly affect daily activities such as lifting, reaching, or even dressing.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder progresses in stages, and symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition:
- Freezing Stage : Pain increases, and movement becomes limited. This stage can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage : Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains, severely limiting range of motion. This phase can last 4 to 6 months.
- Thawing Stage: The shoulder gradually improves in terms of flexibility and range of motion. This stage may last from 6 months to 2 years.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Frozen Shoulder, doctors typically perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other causes of shoulder pain. Sometimes, the doctor may perform a shoulder arthrogram, injecting a contrast dye into the joint to evaluate the extent of the stiffness.
Recovery and Prognosis
Recovery from Frozen Shoulder can be a slow process, with many people taking 1-2 years to fully regain shoulder function. However, with early intervention and consistent treatment, most individuals experience significant improvement. Early physical therapy, pain management, and joint mobilization techniques are key to a faster recovery.
Prevention Tips
- Stay active and avoid prolonged immobility of the shoulder.
- If you are recovering from shoulder surgery or an injury, engage in physical therapy as soon as possible to maintain movement.
- Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and heart disease with regular check-ups and treatment.
