What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulders?

Stages of Frozen Shoulders Explained

Affecting around 2-5% of the general population worldwide, frozen shoulder has become a major concern these days. Also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, it is a condition that contributes to pain and stiffness within the shoulder joint, which can considerably restrict its movement.

It tends to develop over time, which ultimately results in a decrease in the joint's range of motion. Understanding its phases, signs, and treatment procedures can help in handling this condition effectively.

Keep reading!

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

When it comes to a frozen shoulder it generally progresses through three phases:

Phase 1: Freezing Stage: You experience increased pain in the shoulder and slowly lose the range of motion during this phase. It often lasts for 6 to 9 weeks.
Phase 2: Frozen Stage: After the freezing stage, this stage is less painful, although stiffness continues. It typically lasts between 4 and 6 months, making daily activities difficult.
Phase 3: Thawing Stage: During this last stage, the shoulder starts to recover, possibly reaching the normal range of motion. This may take between 6 months and 2 years.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Below are the key symptoms associated with a frozen shoulder:

● Recurring pain in the shoulder, usually located deep within the joint or at the upper arm.
● A feeling of stiffness and pain in moving the shoulder, mainly when attempting to lift, reach, or turn the arm.
● Struggling with everyday activities such as brushing hair, dressing, or reaching behind the back.
● Worsening of pain at night, frequently disturbing sleep.
● The pain might radiate past the shoulder into the upper arm region.

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of the frozen shoulder is unclear. However, there are certain risk factors that may trigger this condition. Knowing them will aid in early detection and prompt medical treatment:

● Age

Frozen shoulder typically occurs in adults aged 40 to 60 years. The risk rises with age, and thus, it is a common condition among middle-aged people.

● Gender

Women are more prone to developing frozen shoulders than men. This increased susceptibility in women could be related to hormonal fluctuations, particularly with menopause.

● Recent Shoulder Injury

Any surgery or injury that forces you to immobilize your shoulder can raise the risk of a frozen shoulder. These include fractures of the collarbone and upper arm, shoulder blade fractures, and rotator cuff tears.

Furthermore, shoulder wraps, slings, or bracing to restrict movement can cause stiffness and result in a frozen shoulder.

● Diabetes

Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Poor blood sugar management can also contribute to the onset of this condition.

● Other Medical Conditions

There are a number of other diseases and conditions that can cause a frozen shoulder. These include stroke, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular issues, etc.

How to Diagnose a Frozen Shoulder?

In general, there is no particular test to diagnose a frozen shoulder. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, moving your arm to determine the pain and range of motion. An anesthetic injection test can also be performed to test mobility.

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

The choice of treatment depends on the severity and the stage of the frozen shoulder. Here are the major treatment methods:

● Corticosteroid Injections

A direct corticosteroid injection within the shoulder joint reduces inflammation, eases pain, and enhances range of motion. This procedure is usually applied if the pain is acute and hampering daily activities.

● Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the predominant methods of curing frozen shoulder problems. It consists of exercises that can stretch and support the shoulder muscles, enhancing the range of movement with time.

● Joint Distension

In this treatment, a physician injects sterile water into the shoulder capsule. The objective is to stretch the joint capsule, which can aid in increasing shoulder movement and flexibility. This procedure is generally used when other therapies have not given adequate relief.

● Shoulder Manipulation

In this method, a physician forcibly manipulates the shoulder joint to loosen tight tissues under the influence of general anaesthesia. This is not commonly done since arthroscopic surgery has proven to be more effective in restoring shoulder mobility.

● Surgery

In extreme cases, surgeries like arthroscopy can be performed. It involves the use of small cameras and instruments to dislodge adhesions or scar tissue from the shoulder joint to normalize its movement.

A frozen shoulder is a painful condition, but with appropriate treatment, most individuals recover completely over time. If you are having difficulty with this condition, early treatment is important. It can be alleviated by obtaining professional medical assistance, undergoing physical therapy, and practising self-care.

However, treatment costs can get pretty high, given the rising healthcare expenses. Having a health insurance plan from a reputed provider like Star Health can provide financial coverage, enabling you to opt for quality medical care without thinking about the costs.

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