What is frozen shoulder?

The term “frozen shoulder” is often misused to refer to a range of shoulder problems associated with loss of motion. Dr. Amarpal Arora, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, discusses the identifiers of frozen shoulder and how it can be treated.

Frozen shoulder can be an especially frustrating diagnosis. Patients often expect pain and stiffness to resolve quickly, but recovery typically unfolds slowly and demands patience. For those eager to return to normal daily activities, the gradual pace of improvement can be discouraging.

What is frozen shoulder, and why does it occur?

By definition, primary adhesive capsulitis, or “frozen shoulder,” occurs when both active and passive motion of the shoulder is limited due to the soft-tissue surrounding the shoulder getting stiff. As its name implies, frozen shoulder freezes shoulder joint motion.

Most cases of frozen shoulder are idiopathic, meaning there isn't a reason why it occurred. However, possible contributing factors include thyroid dysfunction; Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease; and cardiovascular disease. Patients with these conditions have a higher incidence of frozen shoulder than those without.

It's important to differentiate between frozen shoulder and secondary shoulder stiffness, as the latter may develop when there is a known shoulder problem, such as post-surgical or post-traumatic stiffness. The two causes of shoulder loss of motion are very different and require unique clinical approaches.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?

There are three stages associated with this condition:

Because frozen shoulder progresses through several prolonged stages, recovery can take time. Symptoms may take 18 to 24 months to fully resolve, making patience and consistent follow-up essential for successful outcomes.

How is frozen shoulder treated?

Once frozen shoulder has been successfully diagnosed, it is typically treated with anti-inflammatory injections administered by clinical orthopedic specialists along with a supervised physical therapy program. Frozen shoulder is a condition where good physical therapy can make a tremendous difference in recovery.

“I always tell my patients facing this condition to plan on making their physical therapist their new best friend for the best results and quickest recovery,” says Dr. Arora. “That being said, given the length of the stages associated with frozen shoulder, treatment of the condition can be a long process, requiring vigilance of both the patient and the doctor.”

It's imperative that patients and their doctors refrain from any manipulation or surgical intervention during the first two phases of the disorder. Aggressive manipulation or surgical intervention can lead to worsening inflammation and increased symptoms if done during these initial stages, leading to prolonged pain and a less-than-desired outcome.

For patients dealing with frozen shoulder, specialized orthopedic care can play an important role in diagnosis and recovery. The Sharp Sports Medicine Clinic is a key resource for patients experiencing shoulder stiffness and pain, offering coordinated access to orthopedic specialists, imaging and physical therapy to support long-term recovery.

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