Frozen shoulder is a condition seen mostly in women. It is more common over the age of forty and is also more common in diabetic patients than in the rest of the population.
Frozen shoulder results in both pain and limitation of shoulder movements. The pattern of movement restriction is quite characteristic of the condition and is sometimes called the "capsular pattern" - frozen shoulder arises when the shoulder joint capsule becomes tight or sticky. The condition is also sometimes referred to as "adhesive capsulitis"
What causes Frozen Shoulder?
Most cases of frozen shoulder arise for no very clear or obvious reason. These cases are called "idiopathic."
Sometimes frozen shoulder will arise after injury to the shoulder joint or to the rotator cuff muscles. It can also be seen after a stroke or after a prolonged spell of shoulder immobility.
Chest wall or breast surgery can also be a trigger for the development of frozen shoulder.
How to diagnose Frozen Shoulder
The symptoms of this condition often begin gradually over some weeks or months. Pain is the main problem.
The pain is felt over the deltoid muscle area around the shoulder. It may spread down the arm towards the elbow or wrist. The pain is made worse by lying on the affected side or by trying to use the arm behind the back or above the head.
Frozen shoulder also triggers a stiffness in the joint and an inability to move the arm properly - particularly behind the back or above the head
The pattern of restricted movement is very characteristic and is easily spotted by an experienced doctor or therapist.
It is sometimes necessary for the doctor to exclude other problems by performing blood tests or by arranging x-rays or scans.
Sometimes MRI scan is required to confirm the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. Your doctor may also organise an injection of dye into the shoulder joint in a procedure known as an arthrogram
Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
You need to remember that frozen shoulder recovers spontaneously in virtually every case. It can take up to eighteen months for full recovery.
Treatment options include:
painkiller or anti-inflammation medication
physical therapy from a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath
