Frozen Shoulder

The shoulder joint is encased in connective tissue, called the shoulder capsule, that surrounds the joint and rotator cuff tendons. When this tissue becomes inflamed or thickened and develops adhesions (scar tissue) it becomes stiff and tight, which limits the joint’s ability to move freely, leading to pain and stiffness.

The exact mechanism behind frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an inflammatory process that leads to scarring and adhesions within the shoulder capsule. This reduces the space within the joint and limits the movement of the shoulder.

Freezing Stage (Painful Phase):

Pain begins gradually and worsens over time. Shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted, and pain may be more severe at night. This stage can last from six weeks to nine months.

Frozen Stage (Stiffness Phase):

Although pain may subside slightly, the shoulder becomes more rigid, and movement is significantly restricted. Tasks that require lifting or rotating the arm become particularly difficult. This stage can last from four to six months.

Thawing Stage (Recovery Phase):

Gradually, the shoulder regains mobility, and stiffness decreases. This phase can last between six months and two years.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, but several factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

1. Injury or Surgery: Prolonged shoulder immobility after an injury, fracture, or surgery can lead to frozen shoulder. A lack of movement promotes tissue thickening and adhesions.
2. Underlying Health Conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease are associated with a higher risk of frozen shoulder. Diabetic patients are especially prone, facing double the risk of developing the condition.
3. Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 40 and 60, and it tends to affect women more frequently than men.
4. Prolonged Inactivity: Periods of inactivity, whether due to injury, illness, or lifestyle, can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
5. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may lead to joint inflammation and increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
6. Neurological Disorders: People recovering from strokes or managing neurological disorders that limit shoulder movement may face a higher risk of adhesive capsulitis.

Dr. Zeigler will review your medical history, inquire about symptoms, previous injuries, and any underlying health conditions. He will perform a physical examination to assess your shoulder’s range of motion and may perform tests to observe both active and passive movement. He will compare the movement of affected shoulder with the unaffected shoulder. Restricted movement in all directions is a common indicator of frozen shoulder. Dr. Ziegler will also order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the shoulder and detect other shoulder conditions like arthritis or rotator cuff injuries to rule out other causes of stiffness and pain.

The majority of individuals with frozen shoulder experience improvement through basic treatments aimed at managing pain and restoring mobility.