Summary about Disease
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The condition gradually worsens, making it difficult to move the shoulder. It typically resolves, but this can take a significant amount of time, ranging from months to years.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The pain is usually a dull ache, but can sometimes be sharp, particularly with movement. The stiffness progressively worsens, limiting the range of motion. Common symptoms include:
Pain that worsens at night.
Difficulty reaching behind the back.
Difficulty lifting the arm.
Restricted range of motion.
Causes
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it involves thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule (the tissue surrounding the joint). Factors that may increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder include:
Immobility: Prolonged immobility of the shoulder due to surgery, injury, or medical conditions.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk.
Other Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Age: More common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
Gender: More common in women.
Medicine Used
Medications used to manage frozen shoulder focus on pain relief and reducing inflammation. Common options include:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can help reduce pain and improve range of motion, but the effect may be temporary.
Prescription Pain Medications: In some cases, stronger pain medications may be prescribed.
Is Communicable
No, frozen shoulder is not a communicable disease. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While it's difficult to completely prevent frozen shoulder, these precautions may help:
Early Mobilization: After a shoulder injury or surgery, follow your doctor's instructions for early mobilization to prevent stiffness.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Properly manage conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and other medical conditions that may increase your risk.
Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise can help improve overall joint health.
How long does an outbreak last?
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages, and the total duration can vary greatly. The stages and approximate durations are:
Freezing Stage (2-9 months): Gradual onset of pain, worsening stiffness.
Frozen Stage (4-12 months): Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains significant.
Thawing Stage (5-24 months): Gradual return of range of motion. Overall, frozen shoulder can last from one to three years or even longer in some cases.
How is it diagnosed?
Frozen shoulder is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of your medical history. The doctor will assess your range of motion and may order imaging tests to rule out other conditions.
Physical Exam: Assessment of active and passive range of motion in the shoulder.
X-rays: To rule out other problems, such as arthritis or fractures.
MRI: May be used to provide more detailed images of the soft tissues in the shoulder, but is not always necessary for diagnosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically progress through three stages:
Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain, often worse at night. Increasing stiffness and limited range of motion.
Frozen Stage: Pain may stabilize or even decrease, but stiffness remains significant and severely restricts movement. Daily activities become difficult.
Thawing Stage: Gradual return of range of motion. This stage can be slow and may take months or even years.
Important Considerations
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial component of treatment to help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Consistency: Consistency with exercises and therapy is key to recovery.
Patience: Recovery from frozen shoulder can be a long process, so patience is essential.
Consultation: Regular follow-up with your doctor and physical therapist is important to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.