Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Introduction

Frozen Shoulder (also known as Adhesive Capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, restricting the range of motion. This condition often progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. The pain and stiffness can severely impact daily activities, making it difficult to perform tasks like lifting objects, reaching overhead, or even sleeping.

Understanding frozen shoulder, its causes, symptoms, and frozen shoulder treatment in Delhi/Gurgaon options can help individuals manage and recover from this condition. Whether through physical therapy, medications, or other treatments, early intervention and the right treatment plan are key to a successful recovery.

Learn More About Shoulder Pain:

• Shoulder Injury Surgery in Delhi NCR

• Targeted Non-Surgical Treatments for Back Pain: Effective Options for Relief

• Rotator Cuff Injury: How to Recover and Prevent Shoulder Weakness

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still not fully understood. However, it occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and inflamed. Over time, the tissue shrinks and forms adhesions, which restrict the shoulder’s normal range of motion. Some common causes include:

• Injury or Surgery: After a shoulder injury or surgery, people often avoid moving their shoulder, leading to stiffness.
• Immobility: Prolonged periods of immobility (due to a stroke or other condition) can cause frozen shoulder.
• Medical Conditions: Certain conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
• Age and Gender: People between the ages of 40 and 60, particularly women, are more likely to develop this condition.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder generally develops in three stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

• Freezing Stage: This stage involves increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The pain often worsens at night.
• Frozen Stage: During this stage, the pain may subside, but the stiffness remains. The shoulder becomes very difficult to move.
• Thawing Stage: The range of motion gradually returns, and the shoulder becomes less stiff, although it may take several months for full recovery.

Symptoms can include:

Shoulder pain, especially at night
Limited range of motion
Difficulty reaching or lifting the arm
Painful stiffness in the shoulder joint

When to Seek Medical Advice for Frozen Shoulder

If you experience any of the following signs, it's important to consult a healthcare provider:

• Persistent shoulder pain or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks
• Difficulty with daily tasks due to shoulder discomfort
• Pain that worsens at night and interferes with sleep
• No improvement in symptoms despite rest and self-care measures

Early diagnosis and frozen shoulder treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and speed up recovery.

Which Doctor to Consult for Frozen Shoulder

If you suspect you have frozen shoulder, you should first consult a General Physician or Orthopedic specialisr . They can assess your symptoms, provide a physical examination, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Depending on your case, you may be referred to the following doctors:

• Orthopedic Surgeon: For diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder.
• Rheumatologist: If there are underlying autoimmune or inflammatory conditions contributing to the problem.
• Physical Therapist: For rehabilitative exercises and treatment options to restore shoulder function.

Recommended Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

Physical therapy is crucial for frozen shoulder treatment. Specific exercises can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion. Common exercises include:

• Pendulum Swing: Lean forward, let the affected arm hang down, and gently swing it in circles.
• Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back with both hands and gently pull to stretch the shoulder.
• Cross-Body Reach: Using the unaffected arm, pull the affected arm across your chest to stretch the shoulder.
• External Rotation: Stand with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and rotate your arm outward, slowly increasing the range of motion.

Be sure to consult a physical therapist before starting any exercises to avoid further injury.

How to Differentiate Normal Development from a Medical Concern

It's natural to experience some shoulder stiffness after activity or minor injuries. However, if your symptoms persist for weeks or interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign of frozen shoulder. Here’s how to differentiate normal development from a medical concern:

• Normal Stiffness: Occurs after intense physical activity, usually resolves within a few days with rest and stretching.
• Medical Concern: Stiffness and pain that worsen over time, last for weeks, or are accompanied by limited mobility, especially if it affects sleep.

Treatment Options

There are several frozen shoulder treatment options in Delhi/Gurgaon available, depending on the severity of the condition:

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Physical Therapy: The cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment, aimed at improving mobility.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and inflammation.

• Corticosteroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the shoulder can reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatments:

If conservative treatments fail, surgical options like arthroscopic surgery (removal of adhesions) may be considered.

Prevention Tips

While frozen shoulder may not always be preventable, the following tips can help reduce your risk:

• Stay Active: Regularly move and stretch your shoulder joint, especially if you have a history of shoulder injury or surgery.
• Avoid Prolonged Immobility: If you’ve had surgery or a shoulder injury, try to gently move your shoulder early in the recovery process.
• Manage Underlying Conditions: Properly managing conditions like diabetes can reduce the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Practice Proper Posture: Maintaining good posture while sitting and standing can prevent shoulder strain and stiffness.

How Swasthya Saarthi Provides Treatment for Frozen Shoulder in Delhi/ Gurgaon

At Swasthya Saarthi, we offer expert frozen shoulder treatment in Delhi/Gurgaon and sports injury treatment for fast recovery.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

• Physical Therapy – Exercises to restore mobility.

• Pain Management – Medications, heat/cold therapy, and injections.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery – For severe cases.

• Ongoing Support – Personalized recovery plans.

Sports Injury Treatment

• Rehabilitation – Therapy for ligament injuries & muscle strains.

• Advanced Techniques – Dry needling, taping, and manual therapy.

• Performance Training – Strength & conditioning to prevent re-injury.

Get expert care for shoulder pain and sports injuries in Delhi/Gurgaon with our specialized treatments.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a challenging condition, but with the right frozen shoulder treatment, recovery is possible. Early diagnosis, physical therapy, and appropriate interventions can significantly improve your quality of life and restore shoulder mobility. If you're experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and explore the treatment options available.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to recover from frozen shoulder?

A1: Recovery time varies, but it typically takes between 1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment used.

Q2: Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?

A2: In some cases, frozen shoulder may improve with time and physical therapy. However, professional frozen shoulder treatment can speed up the recovery process.

Q3: Is surgery always necessary for frozen shoulder?

A3: Surgery is usually a last resort and is only considered when other treatments have failed to provide relief.

Q4: Can I prevent frozen shoulder?

A4: While some risk factors can’t be avoided, staying active, managing health conditions, and avoiding prolonged immobility can reduce your risk.

Q5: Is frozen shoulder more common in one gender?

A5: Yes, women, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 60, are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men.