Understanding Frozen Shoulder and How to Treat It

Frozen shoulder is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain and limited range of motion. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition is often characterised by stiffness and difficulty moving the arm. 

What Causes Frozen Shoulder? 

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not yet known. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition, such as:

• Age: People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

• Other health conditions: People with heart disease, thyroid problems, or Parkinson’s disease are also at risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the shoulder joint

• Stiffness in the shoulder joint

• Limited range of motion

• Difficulty moving the arm

How to Diagnose Frozen Shoulder

Diagnosing frozen shoulder can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and order imaging tests to rule out other conditions. 

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

There are several treatment options available for frozen shoulder, including:

• Physical therapy: This involves exercises to improve range of motion and reduce pain.

• Acupuncture: Yun Jin Kim 2021 found that 24 sessions of acupuncture for a frozen shoulder improved both active and passive full range of movement in all directions and reduced free.

• Medication / Injection: Challoumas et al 2020 found that the early use of IA corticosteroid in patients with frozen shoulder of less than 1-year duration is associated with better outcomes.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to loosen the shoulder joint.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not known, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition. These include:

• Maintaining good posture

• Stretching regularly

• Exercising regularly

• Avoiding repetitive motions

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a challenging condition to deal with, but there are several treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve range of motion. If you suspect you may have frozen shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. By following preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition and enjoy a healthy, pain-free life.

References:

Challoumas, D., Biddle, M., McLean, M. and Millar, N.L., 2020. Comparison of treatments for frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA network open, 3(12), pp.e2029581-e2029581.Vancouver

Cho, C.H., Bae, K.C. and Kim, D.H., 2019. Treatment strategy for frozen shoulder. Clinics in orthopedic surgery, 11(3), pp.249–257.

Dyer, B.P., Rathod-Mistry, T., Burton, C., van der Windt, D. and Bucknall, M., 2023. Diabetes as a risk factor for the onset of frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open, 13(1), p.e062377.

Mezian, K., Coffey, R. and Chang, K.V., 2021. Frozen shoulder. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Kim, Y.J., 2021. Acupuncture management for the acute frozen shoulder: A case report. Clinical Case Reports, 9(11), p.e05055.

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