Frozen Shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is thickening and tightening of the soft tissue capsule that surrounds the joint of the shoulder. When the capsule becomes inflamed, scarring occurs and adhesions are formed. Shoulder injury, diabetes, thyroid problems and certain heart or lung conditions are responsible for
frozen shoulder and
shoulder pains. Tendinitis and bursitis also lead to adhesive capsulitis. But, usually the cause is unknown. It is characterised by a decrease in motion, primarily while lifting the arm and turning it inwards. Twice as common in women than men. In the 'freezing' stage, which may last from six weeks to nine months the patients develops a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder loses motion. Stage 2, the frozen stage is marked by a slow improvement in pain, but the stiffness remain. The final stage is the "thawing" stage, during which shoulder motion returns to normalcy, albeit slowly. The pain increases at night. 3 bones make up the shoulder: the scapula (shoulder blade), the humerus (upper arm bone) and the clavicle (collar bone). The shoulder joint capsule is a bag of tissues made up of ligaments which attach bones to bones. In a normal shoulder, it contains some joint fluid that lubricates the joint surfaces allowing easy movement. Frozen shoulder is treated with physiotherapy and rehab. It includes IFT, ultrasound, Ice and Heat (SWD). Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections are also commonly used to alleviate the inflammation and pain. The recovery time can be within an average duration of 18 months. Exercises include scapular setting and a range of motion exercise; shoulder stretches and rotator cuff strengthening.
