Frozen Shoulder: Understanding the Pain, Causes, and How to Prevent It

Discover what causes Frozen Shoulder, how to recognize its stages, and the most effective treatment and prevention strategies

Comprehensive Guide to Frozen Shoulder: Exploring Causes, Recognizing Symptoms, and Navigating Treatment Options.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the shoulder capsule—the connective tissue surrounding the joint—becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight, making everyday movements difficult and painful.

Imagine your shoulder feeling “stuck” or “frozen” in place—that’s exactly what happens when this condition sets in. While it can develop slowly, without obvious injury, the result is the same: discomfort and reduced mobility that can affect everything from dressing to lifting objects.

Other Names for Frozen Shoulder

• Adhesive Capsulitis: The medical term for the condition. “Adhesive” means sticky or glued, while “capsulitis” refers to inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule.

• Shoulder Contracture: Emphasizes the restricted movement or “contracted” state of the shoulder joint.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Individuals with Frozen Shoulder commonly experience:

• Pain: A dull, persistent ache felt around the outer shoulder and upper arm, often worse at night.

• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the arm, reaching overhead, or rotating the shoulder.

• Reduced Range of Motion: Activities like combing hair or reaching behind the back become challenging.

These symptoms tend to develop gradually but can severely impact daily life.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder doesn’t have a single cause, but several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:

• Age and Gender: Most common in individuals over 40, especially women.

• Immobility: Keeping the shoulder still for too long after an injury, fracture, or surgery.

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and tuberculosis can raise the risk.

Essentially, anything that limits shoulder use or circulation may trigger this condition.

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing (Painful Phase):

   
   

   Pain gradually increases and movement becomes more difficult. This stage can last 6 weeks to 9 months.

2. Frozen (Stiff Phase):

   
   

   Pain may lessen, but stiffness worsens. Using the shoulder becomes increasingly difficult. This stage can last 4 to 6 months.

3. Thawing (Recovery Phase):

   
   

   Range of motion starts improving. Full recovery can take 6 months to 2 years with proper treatment.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder

If you suspect you have Frozen Shoulder, visiting an orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist is key.

Your doctor will:

• Review your medical history and symptoms.

• Perform a physical examination to assess shoulder movement.

• Recommend imaging tests (like an X-ray or MRI) to rule out arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or other shoulder issues.

At Doxa Specialist Clinic, our team uses clinical assessment and advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis and customize your treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence.

1. Physical Therapy: Guided exercises from a physiotherapist help gently stretch and strengthen the shoulder. Regular sessions improve range of motion and speed up recovery.

2. Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and pain relievers can help control discomfort and swelling.

3. Steroid Injections: These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

4. Surgery (in severe cases) If conservative treatments fail, procedures like shoulder arthroscopy or capsular release may be performed to loosen the tight capsule.

At Doxa Specialist Clinic, Dr. Ndidi Dagbue (Orthopedic Surgeon) and our Physiotherapist work hand-in-hand to deliver both medical and rehabilitative care tailored to each patient’s recovery pace.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

Prevention is always better than treatment. To lower your risk:

✅ Stay Active: Engage in regular shoulder exercises to maintain flexibility.✅ Avoid Prolonged Immobilization: If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury or surgery, start gentle movement early (under medical guidance).✅ Stretch Regularly: Especially if you have diabetes or thyroid issues.

A few minutes of movement each day can help you avoid months—or even years—of discomfort.

Conclusion

Frozen Shoulder may sound mysterious, but understanding it is the first step to managing it effectively. With early diagnosis, consistent physiotherapy, and proper guidance, most people regain full shoulder function and return to their normal activities.

If you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait—the sooner you address it, the faster your recovery.

👉 Visit Doxa Specialist Clinic on Castries Gros Islet Highway, Saint Lucia, or contact us via WhatsApp at +1 758 285 1616 to book a consultation today.Our orthopedic and physiotherapy team is here to help you move freely again.