Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (called the shoulder capsule) becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to the formation of adhesions that restrict movement.
●Freezing stage: Increasing pain and limited movement (6–9 months)
●Frozen stage: Stiffness with reduced pain (4–6 months)
●Thawing stage: Gradual improvement in movement (6+ months)
●Difficulty with daily activities like dressing, combing hair, or reaching overhead
● Diabetes: Strongly linked; people with diabetes are at higher risk
● Thyroid disorders:Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase risk
● Shoulder immobility: Prolonged inactivity after surgery, injury, or stroke.
● Heart disease: Increases likelihood of developing adhesive capsulitis.
● Medications: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain and inflammation,Pain-relief creams or gels
● Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility,Strengthening exercises to restore shoulder function.
● Hot/Cold Therapy: Heat packs to relax muscles before exercise,Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling after activity
● Steroid Injections:Corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint,Helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in early stages.
● Shoulder Manipulation (Under Anesthesia) : Performed by a doctor while patient is asleep , Shoulder is gently forced through range of motion to break adhesions
Frozen Shoulder
