Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or someone managing joint problems, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand frozen shoulder and seek appropriate care.

Contact our experts at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Northeast Ohio today!

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (medically called adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move. It occurs when the shoulder capsule—a sac of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint—thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, causing a significant restriction in the range of motion.

The condition primarily affects the ball and socket joint of the shoulder, where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula).

A woman with frozen shoulder experiencing pain in Northeast, Ohio.

What Are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct stages:

  1. Freezing Stage: In the first stage, pain gradually increases, and the shoulder starts losing its range of motion. As the pain worsens, shoulder movement becomes more restricted.
  2. Frozen Stage: During this stage, stiffness becomes more pronounced, but pain may decrease. The shoulder becomes increasingly immobile, limiting everyday activities.
  3. Thawing Stage: Finally, during the thawing stage, the shoulder gradually regains its range of motion, and normal activity can be resumed over time.
 

The entire process can take anywhere from several months to up to three years, depending on the severity of the condition and treatment options.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Factors that contribute to frozen shoulder include:

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Frozen shoulder symptoms include:

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Shoulder specialists diagnose frozen shoulder based on your medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. During a physical exam, a doctor will assess the range of motion in the affected shoulder. They may also perform imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions like arthritis or rotator cuff injuries.

How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Frozen shoulder treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring shoulder movement. Treatment options include:

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program to improve shoulder mobility and range of motion.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections to alleviate symptoms.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help relax the shoulder muscles and ease discomfort.
  • Surgery: In rare cases where other treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove scar tissue or release the tight shoulder capsule.

Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

While working with a physical therapist, you will be guided through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to improve shoulder movement. Some commonly recommended exercises include:

  • Pendulum Stretch: Stand and lean forward slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang down. Gently swing the arm in a circular motion to loosen the shoulder joint.
  • Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back, grabbing one end with your good arm and the other with the affected arm. Use your good arm to pull the towel upward, stretching the affected shoulder.
  • Cross-Body Arm Stretch: Gently pull the affected arm across your chest, using the other hand to assist the stretch. This exercise targets the shoulder joint and helps restore flexibility.

Getting Professional Care for Frozen Shoulder

If you’re experiencing symptoms or think you may be developing frozen shoulder, it’s essential to seek treatment early. The team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder.

Our experienced shoulder specialists in Northeast Ohio provide personalized care to help you restore your range of motion and get back to your active lifestyle. Contact us at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties today to schedule an appointment and begin your path to recovery!

Medically reviewed by Laszlo S. Harmat, D.O.