Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition in which there is pain, stiffness and loss of motion in the shoulder. It can affect individuals anywhere between the ages of 40 to 60 years old and without predisposition of arm usage, muscle stresses or gender. There are, however, more cases of frozen shoulder in patients with diabetes and arthritis.
While it has no clear cause, frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule around the shoulder joint thickens. The capsule can become inflamed, scar or shrink, causing loss of mobility and an onset of pain.
Diagnosis
Frozen shoulder is normally a symptomatic diagnosis, meaning that it is diagnosed by the symptoms rather than any test results. Doctors will request x-rays and even MRI testing to ensure there are not other conditions in the shoulder structure that could be causing the pain and lack of mobility. Other conditions to be ruled out include rotator cuff damage or shoulder dislocation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of frozen shoulder can consist of three stages of the condition's progression: freezing, frozen and thawing. The painful or "freezing" stage is when the person begins to feel the ache in the shoulder and joint. It is at this stage that the loss of motion begins. In the frozen stage, the stiffness continues. Finally, in stage three, the thawing stage, the shoulder begins a slow return to normal mobility.
Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
While it can go away on its own, some cases require professional medical treatment. Doctors can prescribe nonsurgical procedures of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy to allow stretching of the shoulder area that is affected. In some cases, surgery may be required and will stretch or tear the capsule that has been "frozen."
