Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the shoulder is painful and loses motion because of inflammation of the joint capsule.
The joint capsule of the shoulder joint is the lining connecting the ball to the socket and it contains the ligaments that hold the shoulder bones together. When the capsule becomes inflamed, frozen shoulder is the result, with severe shoulder pain serving as the presenting symptom followed by progressive loss of motion until the shoulder is so stiff that the shoulder bones are unable to move freely in the joint.
Most of the time there is no underlying cause of frozen shoulder; however, with the proper frozen shoulder treatment from our orthopedic specialists, you can significantly reduce pain and recovery time.
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Frozen Shoulder Risk Factors
- Cervical disc disease of the neck
- Diabetes
- Shoulder injury
- Shoulder surgery
- Open-heart surgery
- Hyperthyroidism
Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are:
- Decreased motion of the shoulder
- Pain
- Stiffness
Frozen shoulder without any known cause starts with pain, most commonly after no specific injury, and can last for a few weeks to months without obvious motion loss. Eventually the shoulder capsule thickens and this “scar-like” tissue prevents you from moving your arm. Over time, frozen shoulder will prohibit activities such as reaching over your head or behind you.
Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder
Your doctor will make a diagnosis of frozen shoulder based on your symptoms and an examination of your shoulder. If you have it, you will have a definite loss of rotation in your shoulder. X-rays of the shoulder may be taken to make sure there is no other problem, such as arthritis. An MRI exam may show inflammation, but there are no specific signs to diagnose frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Frozen shoulder treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and steroid injections. Steroid injections and most importantly physical therapy focusing on a stretching program can improve your motion. It can take a few weeks to see progress, but it may take as long as six to nine months to completely recover after symptoms begin. Physical therapy exercise needs to be done every day to achieve full recovery.
If nothing is done, frozen shoulder should get better by itself within two years with little loss of motion. However, treatment can significantly reduce the pain you experience.
Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Frozen shoulder surgery is recommended if nonsurgical treatment is ineffective. This procedure is done arthroscopically under anesthesia. Your surgeon will release the scar tissue by bringing the shoulder through a full range of motion. Arthroscopic surgery can also be used to cut the tight ligaments and remove the scar tissue. Some surgeons may use repeated pain blocks after surgery, which enable you to participate in physical therapy.
Schedule Your Frozen Shoulder Consultation
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our orthopedic specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin are here to help.