Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is characterised by pain, stiffness, and a decrease in range of motion. In this article, we will explore what frozen shoulder pain feels like, the causes and treatment options, as well as steps you can take to prevent it.

What Frozen Shoulder Pain Feels Like

Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually over time and is characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The pain is usually a dull, aching sensation that worsens when you move your arm, particularly when you try to lift it overhead. The stiffness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as reaching for items on a high shelf or brushing your hair.

Frozen shoulder pain typically affects one shoulder at a time, but it can occur in both shoulders in some cases. The condition often develops slowly over the course of several weeks or months, and symptoms can persist for up to three years.

Causes

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not well understood, but several factors can contribute to its development. For example, a previous injury to the shoulder, medical conditions such as diabetes, or a period of immobility or inactivity can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

In some cases, frozen shoulder occurs after a person has been recovering from an injury or surgery, when the shoulder has been kept in a sling or brace for an extended period. The shoulder joint can become stiff and painful due to the lack of movement and exercise.

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

The treatment of frozen shoulder depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s medical history. In many cases, physiotherapy can be effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain. Your physiotherapist may use techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy to help you regain mobility in your shoulder.

Medications, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, can also help manage the symptoms of frozen shoulder. In some cases, cortisone injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to help relieve symptoms. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthesia and involves releasing the tight capsule around the shoulder joint.

Prevention

There are several steps you can take to help prevent frozen shoulder, such as:

• Maintaining shoulder mobility: Regular exercise, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, can help maintain shoulder mobility and prevent stiffness.
• Avoiding sudden movements: Sudden movements, such as lifting heavy items, can cause injury and increase the risk of frozen shoulder.
• Keeping the shoulder joint active: If you have been recovering from an injury or surgery, it’s important to keep the shoulder joint active and moving to prevent stiffness and pain.

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that can affect mobility. Pain, stiffness, and a decrease in range of motion is what frozen shoulder pain feels like. The condition can be treated with physiotherapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Do you wake up in the morning with pain in your shoulder? Does it seem like your arm is frozen to your side? If so, then you may be suffering from frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a common problem that particularly affects women in their 40s and 50s. What is frozen shoulder pain like? The pain can range from deep aching to sharp pain. One of the most notable features of frozen shoulder is the loss of ability to move your arm over head.

Frozen shoulder typically lasts for 12 months or more. It can resolve on its own in time, however frozen shoulder isn’t a condition that you should ignore. Instead, frozen shoulder treatment is important to get back your full range of motion and prevent frozen shoulder from returning.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

There’s no frozen shoulder treatment that works for everyone. The cause is unknown but it’s believed to be the result of a combination of factors including age, injury, and overuse. The pain and restriction is caused by the fact that the shoulder joint capsule sticks together, causing the pain and limited movement experienced. Hence the term “adhesive capsulitis”.

Best Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

According to a new systematic review of frozen shoulder, researchers found that the frozen shoulder treatment that works best is a combination of medication and physiotherapy exercises.

In this study, the researchers found that those patients who received frozen shoulder treatment from a physiotherapist for between two and four weeks, along with taking one of three medications (duloxetine, diclofenac, or ibuprofen), experienced the most frozen shoulder resolution. This combination of frozen shoulder treatment was better than either medication alone or frozen shoulder treatment with physiotherapy exercises.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder Pain From Returning

If frozen shoulder treatment is successful, the pain of frozen shoulder typically goes away within 12 to 18 months. However, frozen shoulder can recur in a percentage of cases. If frozen shoulder returns, it typically recurs within the first two years after frozen shoulder resolves for the first time.

Getting treatment for frozen shoulder is important. Give us a call now on 03 9034 7735 to see how we can help you, or click to book an appointment online.