Shoulder discomfort and reduced range of motion are classic symptoms of frozen shoulder. In most cases, frozen shoulder symptoms develop slowly, worsen over time, and eventually disappear on their own within a few years. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as a “self-limiting condition.”
An outer layer of connective tissue called the shoulder capsule surrounds the shoulder joint. This capsule is inflamed, thickens, and tightens in a frozen shoulder. This makes it difficult and unpleasant to move the shoulder.
Stages of frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops in 3 stages-
- Freezing, or painful stage: Pain steadily rises, making shoulder motion more difficult. Typically, pain is felt across the outside shoulder area and occasionally on the upper arm. The pain is typically worst at night.
- Frozen: Progressive decrease of shoulder range of motion, despite the improvement of painful symptoms.
- Thawing: The patient regains the majority or all of his or her shoulder movement, but the process takes months or years.
Risk factors for developing frozen shoulder
Age: Adults, most commonly between 40 and 60 years old.
Gender: More common in women than men.
Periods of inactivity. Long periods of inactivity—from an injury, surgery, stroke, or illness—can lead to a frozen shoulder.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are also more likely to develop this condition.
What is the procedure for diagnosing a frozen shoulder?
Our specialist physiotherapist will conduct the following tests to determine if you have a frozen shoulder:
- Taking medical history and finding out clinical signs and symptom
- Examination and palpation of arms and shoulder
- Examining active range of motion and passive range of motion of shoulder joint.
- Examination of capsular pattern- loss of external rotation followed by flexion/abduction and then internal rotation.
Common signs and symptoms for frozen shoulder
- Intense pain in the shoulder joint. Occasionally, it may spread into the arm as well. It may be accompanied by upper back and neck ache.
- Due to the limited range of motion of the shoulder joint, the patient has trouble doing ADLs such as combing hair, suiting up, and reaching behind the back.
- Pain is often severe at night and frequently interferes with sleep.
- Guarded shoulder movements. Rounded shoulders and stooped posture
- Arm swing is reduced when walking
- Individuals who are affected generally keep their arm close to their body.
- Spasms of the muscles upper back muscles
Treatment for frozen shoulder
Typically, moist heat before joint movement, stretching, chosen range of motion exercises, low-level strengthening, and ice following activity or exercise is used to treat a frozen shoulder. It is critical for those who have a frozen shoulder to prevent reinjuring the shoulder tissues during their therapy. It is vital to avoid the following until fully recovered:
- With the affected shoulder, make abrupt and jerking movements.
- With the affected shoulder, perform strenuous lifting.
- Extensive overhead activity
- Inappropriate biomechanical manoeuvres
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