Have you ever experienced excruciating shoulder pain and a noticeable loss of mobility, seemingly out of nowhere? If so, you might have encountered a condition known as a “frozen shoulder.” This enigmatic ailment can leave even the most active individuals feeling helpless, as the shoulder joint becomes stiff and immobile, hindering even the simplest of daily tasks.

Frozen shoulder causes:

The exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not known, but it is believed to occur when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, causing it to tighten and restrict movement. Certain factors that can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder include:

• Age: Frozen shoulder is more common in people over the age of 40.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulders than men.
• Injury: A shoulder injury or surgery can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart disease can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulders.

Frozen shoulder symptoms:

The symptoms of a frozen shoulder usually develop gradually and can include:

• Pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder
• Difficulty performing everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, or carrying objects
• Pain that worsens at night

Frozen shoulder treatment:

Both an orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist can help in the management of a frozen shoulder.

Orthopaedic treatments include:

• A manipulation under anaesthesia: you are put to sleep, and under the effect of anaesthesia, your joint is moved, which stretches your capsule. Hence joint is released
• An arthroscopic debridement: in this procedure, tight capsule pieces are removed using small holes.

While an orthopaedic surgeon releases the joint immediately, a physio-therapist improves shoulder movement over time.

Tips to prevent frozen shoulder:

Firstly, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight as excess body fat puts more strain on your shoulders.

Exercise regularly and stretch before physical activity to warm up your muscles.

Also, be mindful of repetitive motions that involve your arms or shoulders; if possible, try to alternate tasks or take breaks to avoid overuse injuries.

Additionally, if you have diabetes or any other chronic conditions such as arthritis or thyroid disorders which could increase your risk for developing frozen shoulders, be sure to seek regular medical care and follow treatment plans provided by healthcare professionals.

“Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Take control of your frozen shoulder pain today with Dr Rishabh Jaiswal’s expert care and guidance. Book your appointment now, and start feeling like yourself again.