Matthew-boes-snc
Appt : (919) 863-6845
Make an Online Appointment
  • shoulder-arthrocscopy
  • rotar-cuff-tear
  • knee-arthroscopy
  • Acl-reconstruction
  • trusted-sports

The Stiff or “Frozen” Shoulder

Although not related to the cold weather of winter, I thought it would be helpful to discuss a common shoulder problem known as “adhesive capsulitis” or “frozen shoulder.” Frozen shoulder most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women. Normal shoulder function depends on pain-free, fluid, and unrestricted motion of the joint. As such, patients afflicted with frozen shoulder can be significantly debilitated with everyday activities such as work, recreation, and sleep impacted. Though the cause of frozen shoulder is not clearly understood, there are certain known risk factors. Below we’ll delve into the symptoms, risk factors, and possible treatment options for frozen shoulder.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder results from thickening of the tissue that surrounds and stabilizes the shoulder joint making it tight and difficult to move. The tissue may also become significantly inflamed and or irritated making motion of the shoulder painful. Frozen shoulder often follows three predictable phases each with slightly different symptoms as outlined below.

•A dull ache and onset of worsening pain during the first stage (“freezing phase”).

•A slight reduction in pain during the second stage (“frozen phase”) where the shoulder becomes significantly stiff with very little mobility in the shoulder.

•A slow return to normal and pain-free motion in the shoulder in the final stage (thawing phase).

Each phase may last from a few weeks to several months with the complete course of the condition lasting for 18-24 months.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that can make a person more likely to develop frozen shoulder. These includes:

•Diabetes

•Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)

•Parkinson’s disease

•Cardiac disease

•Immobility. If a person becomes immobile for a period of time, usually do to a surgical procedure or injury, then their risk for developing frozen shoulder increases.

Treatment

The most common treatment for frozen shoulder is non-surgical with the aim to reduce irritation and pain in the shoulder and then slowly regain full motion through gentle stretching exercises.

Common treatment methods include:

•Anti-inflammatory medicine

•Steroid injections

•Physical Therapy – both home stretching and office-based treatments

In rare cases where non-surgical treatment fails to resolve the condition, surgery is generally very successful at restoring full shoulder function. The procedure is done athroscopically, or through tiny incisions, and involves gentle manipulation of the shoulder with the patient anesthetized as well as release or cutting of any tight scar tissue around the shoulder.

4,178 comments on “The Stiff or “Frozen” Shoulder

  1. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

  2. Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!|

  3. Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!|

    • thomas kish says:

      He is ordinarily known from name of Luther Repent. I currently are located in Mo. Software developing does offer been the girl’s profession blood pressure levels . time but she’s always wanted her own firm. One involved with my popular choice hobbies is really home beer making but Certain have the time lately.

  4. What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this site is genuinely fastidious and the people are really sharing nice thoughts.|

  5. Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.|

  6. Howdy very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to search out numerous useful information here in the put up, we want work out more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .|

  7. Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.|

  8. Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.|

  9. you are in point of fact a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent task on this topic!

  10. As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you

  11. Motorcars says:

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great website.

  12. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  13. Thanks for any other informative website. The place else may just I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I’ve a mission that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.|

  14. Terrific article! This is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this publish upper! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)|

  15. Hi there, simply was alert to your blog via Google, and located that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate should you proceed this in future. A lot of folks will probably be benefited from your writing. Cheers!|

  16. Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.|

  17. airline says:

    I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂

  18. money order says:

    Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, let alone the content!

  19. Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all important infos. I would like to look more posts like this .

  20. If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies therefore he must be visit this website and be up to date daily.|

X

Tell a Friend

captcha