What Is the Main Cause of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, consists of the stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This pain worsens over time but can slowly resolve on its own. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we can resolve the symptoms associated with frozen shoulder. Our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ can recommend the proper treatment to speed up the healing process.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
There are three official stages of frozen shoulder. Each stage develops slowly and can last several months. Some people state the pain of frozen shoulder is the worst at night, which disrupts sleep. The three phases consist of the following:
- Freezing stage- The freezing stage of frozen shoulder consists of any movement of the shoulder causing pain, causing the range of motion to become limited.
- Frozen stage- During the frozen stage, pain can diminish slightly, but the shoulder can become more stiff and difficult to use.
- Thawing stage- The pain subsides, and your shoulder’s range of motion begins to improve during the thawing stage.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
A capsule of connective tissue holds the bones, ligaments, and tendons of your shoulder together. When this connective tissue capsule thickens and tightens, frozen shoulder occurs, and movement in the shoulder becomes restricted. There isn’t one specific cause that results in frozen shoulder; however, people who go a long time without moving their shoulder are most susceptible to frozen shoulder. If you lose mobility in your shoulder due to frozen shoulder, try orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ.
Frozen Shoulder Risk Factors
The following risk factors can increase your chances of obtaining frozen shoulder:
- Age and sex- People over the age of 40, particularly women, are more prone to getting frozen shoulder.
- Immobility of the shoulder- People who have reduced shoulder mobility can develop frozen shoulder. Stiffness can result from a rotator cuff injury, a broken arm, stroke, or recovery from surgery.
- Systemic diseases- Certain diseases can increase the chances of developing frozen shoulder. This includes diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder: Orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ
Immobility is the most common cause of frozen shoulder. To prevent immobility, talk to our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ about exercises you can do to keep your shoulder active. By keeping your shoulder moving, stiffness is less likely to occur.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
If you feel pain and stiffness in your shoulder, you should see our doctor for a physical exam. Our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ will ask you to move your shoulder in certain ways to evaluate its active range of motion. Our doctor will also check the passive range of motion by relaxing your muscles while moving your arm. Another way of observing the active and passive range of motion is by our doctor injecting your arm with an anesthetic. Sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRI are necessary to rule out other problems.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Shoulder pain and short range of motion can be healed through several treatments. One option our specialist may recommend is medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Our doctor can also prescribe more potent medicine, such as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical or orthopedic therapy is also suggested to learn exercises and stretches to increase the range of motion. Frozen shoulders tend to get better independently without surgical help, but if symptoms persist, a procedure may be required. Some of the methods that can help frozen shoulder include the following:
- Steroid injections- Corticosteroids injected into your shoulder can decrease pain and improve range of motion.
- Joint distension- Sterile water injected into the joint capsule can make moving the shoulder joint easier.
- Shoulder manipulation- A doctor can move and manipulate your shoulder under anesthesia to loosen the tissue in different directions.
- Surgery- The removal of scar tissue and adhesions inside your shoulder joint using small incisions.
Contact Our Office: Orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ
If you believe you may be going through a stage of frozen shoulder, orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ can help. Our specialist at New York Sports Medicine Institute will address your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment for you based on your concerns. Contact our team to schedule an appointment for an evaluation of your shoulder.