What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) or frozen shoulder is an insidious inflammatory condition of the shoulder that causes fibrosis of the joint capsule and persists for more than 3 months. It is accompanied by gradually progressive stiffness and significant restriction of range of motion, especially external rotation.

Females are 4 times more often affected than men, while the non-dominant shoulder is more prone to be affected.

Causes

The cause of the frozen shoulder is not yet fully understood. However, some possible risk factors have been identified:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Stroke
• Thyroid disorder
• Shoulder injury
• Dupuytren disease
• Parkinson disease
• Complex regional pain syndrome

Staging

There is gradual restriction of passive shoulder motion which progresses through 3 overlapping phases:

• Freezing (2 to 9 months): initial, painful phase with predominant pain that is worse at night, with gradually increased glenohumeral joint ROM restriction.
• Frozen (4 to 12 months): stiffness and persisted glenohumeral joint motion limitation, but with less pain than that at the “Freezing” stage.
• Thawing (12 to 42 months): recovery phase with the gradual return of range of motion.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients present with following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of unilateral anterior shoulder pain.
• Passive and active range of motion restriction, first affecting external rotation and later abduction of the shoulder.
• Functional impairments include limited reaching, particularly during overhead (e.g., hanging clothes) or to-the-side (e.g., fasten one’s seat belt) activities.
• Restricted shoulder rotations result in difficulties in personal hygiene, clothing and brushing hair.
• Neck pain can occur due to overuse of cervical muscles as a compensation for the loss of shoulder motion.

In general, depending on the stage and severity, the condition is self-limiting, interfering with activities of daily living, work, and leisure activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done with the help of a physical examination, but some imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may also be advised to rule out other conditions.

Management

Management includes physical therapy for strengthening and improving the range of motion.

Warning: Above information provided is an overview of the disease, we strongly recommend a doctor’s consultation to prevent further advancement of disease and/or development of complications.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein on request, is not to be taken as a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION.