Frozen shoulder is a shoulder disease known as "adhesive capsulitis" in the medical literature. This condition is a disease in which the range of motion of the shoulder is restricted as a result of thickening and hardening of the shoulder joint capsule (the membrane surrounding the shoulder joint). Frozen shoulder significantly limits shoulder movements, causing pain and discomfort. It usually develops over time and may require treatment.
While the exact cause of this condition is not clearly known, certain risk factors and underlying medical conditions can trigger the development of frozen shoulder. Treatment of frozen shoulder may include physical therapy, medications or, rarely, surgery, depending on the stage and severity of the disease.
What are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
Pain and persistent stiffness in the shoulder joint are usually the two main symptoms of frozen shoulder. Pain from frozen shoulder usually manifests as a constant feeling of discomfort or pain that increases at regular intervals. It is usually present in the initial stages of this disease and can worsen when the shoulder is moved. This pain is usually felt on the outside of the shoulder and can sometimes spread along the upper arm. This can negatively affect quality of life by making daily activities that require you to use the shoulder joint painful. Symptoms associated with frozen shoulder may include
- Showering,
- Getting dressed,
- When driving a car,
- Shoulder pain can occur when trying to sleep.
Symptoms during daily activities can range from mild pain to severe pain where it is almost impossible to move the shoulder.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not clearly known, but it is generally thought to develop as a result of a combination of factors. Possible causes of frozen shoulder may include
- Inflammation and inflammation,
- Diabetes
- Shoulder injuries or surgeries,
- Chronic inflammatory diseases,
- Specific medical conditions.
The causes of frozen shoulder can be complex and each patient may be affected by a different combination. When frozen shoulder develops, an evaluation by a health professional should be performed to identify the underlying causes and prepare a treatment plan.
What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages, which are described as follows:
Inflammation Phase: In this first stage, the capsule around the shoulder joint is inflamed. Inflammation leads to shoulder pain and discomfort. The range of motion of the shoulder is still relatively good at this stage, but some pain and discomfort may be felt.
Frozen Stage: The frozen stage is the stage when the frozen shoulder is most prominent. At this stage, the shoulder capsule thickens and stiffens. Shoulder movement becomes more and more restricted and it becomes difficult to lift the shoulder up, turn it sideways or push it backwards. The pain and restriction of movement in this stage can negatively affect the patient's daily life.
Resolution Phase: The resolution phase is when the frozen shoulder begins to heal. At this stage, shoulder range of motion slowly returns and pain begins to decrease. With treatment and physical therapy, the flexibility of the shoulder is regained. This stage marks a period when the patient begins to move more freely and can perform daily activities more easily.
The stages of frozen shoulder can vary depending on the patient's symptoms, response to treatment and the course of the disease. Treatment is usually determined by which stage you are in and the severity of the symptoms. Therefore, it is important for people with suspected frozen shoulder to be evaluated by a health professional.
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing frozen shoulder requires a series of steps and evaluation processes. The health professional who will diagnose frozen shoulder usually follows the steps below:
- Review of the patient's medical history and symptoms,
- Physical examination,
- Imaging tests,
- Blood tests
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment for frozen shoulder may differ depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, the stage of the disease and the underlying causes. Treatment methods for frozen shoulder may include the following:
Medication: Prescribed medications can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation of frozen shoulder.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Special exercise programs administered by a physiotherapist can increase the shoulder's range of motion and strengthen the muscles. Physical therapy can also relieve pain.
Hot and Cold Applications: Hot or cold compresses can relieve pain in the shoulder. Cold compresses can be used during inflamed periods, while hot compresses may be preferred to relax the muscles and increase blood flow.
Exercises An important part of frozen shoulder treatment is regular exercise by the patient. These exercises help to restore the shoulder's range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Regularly doing the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist can speed up the treatment process.
Surgical Intervention: Rarely, a surgical intervention may be needed if other treatments do not work and frozen shoulder is very severe. Surgical options may include manipulation of the shoulder joint, loosening of the joint capsule or surgical capsular incision.
What are Frozen Shoulder Exercises?
In the treatment of frozen shoulder, physiotherapy can help the shoulder regain movement. A physiotherapist will carry out an assessment to determine the number of sessions and appropriate exercises the shoulder needs. This number can vary depending on how the frozen shoulder responds to treatment. The physiotherapist will first assess the current range of motion of your shoulders and exercises that are usually recommended may include
Stretching Exercises: Exercises to stretch the shoulder muscles and joint capsule can help increase range of motion. These exercises can help you move your shoulder more.
Strengthening Exercises: Exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles can help you strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder. This can make your shoulder more stable.
Posture Correction Exercises: The physiotherapist can correct your posture by recommending exercises that will help your shoulders to be in the correct position. Correct posture can reduce pressure on your shoulders.
Your physiotherapist will determine the exercises that are suitable for you and the number of sessions. This can vary depending on each individual's condition and the severity of the frozen shoulder. This treatment plan can help relieve the symptoms of frozen shoulder, restore range of motion and make activities of daily living more comfortable.
What is Frozen Shoulder Surgery?
Frozen shoulder surgery is the procedure of choice when other methods of treating frozen shoulder have not worked or when surgical intervention is needed to restore shoulder range of motion. The main goal of this surgery is to cut or loosen the hardened or thickened tissues of the shoulder joint capsule and increase the shoulder's range of motion.