What is Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing stiffness and pain. Inflammation and thickening of the tissues around the shoulder joint, which results in the development of adhesions and scar tissue, are its defining characteristics. This causes the range of motion of the joint to shrink gradually and the shoulder's mobility to decline progressively.

Types of Frozen Shoulder

There are two types of Frozen Shoulder

• Primary Frozen Shoulder typically develops spontaneously with no known cause.
• Secondary Frozen Shoulder occurs as a result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, shoulder injury, or prolonged immobilization.

Causes and Common Conditions of Frozen Shoulder

• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.

• Shoulder injuries: Previous shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or fractures, can lead to the development of Frozen Shoulder.

• Prolonged immobilization: Immobilizing the shoulder for extended periods, such as after surgery or due to a medical condition, can contribute to the development of Frozen Shoulder.

• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during menopause or thyroid disorders, may increase the risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.

• Autoimmune diseases: The onset of a frozen shoulder has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Aging: The risk of Frozen Shoulder tends to increase with age, particularly in individuals over 40 years old.

• Other medical conditions: An increased risk of a frozen shoulder has been related to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

• Genetics: There may be some genetic predisposition to developing Frozen Shoulder, although more research is needed to fully understand this association.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

If you suspect you may have Frozen Shoulder, watch out for the following symptoms

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Progressive stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
• Difficulty performing daily activities requiring shoulder movement
• Pain worsening at night, especially when lying on the affected side
• Painful shoulder movements and muscle weakness

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

To diagnose Frozen Shoulder the healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough physical examination, review your condition and medical history, and discuss your symptoms. They may also ask for imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of shoulder joint involvement.

How do you know if Frozen Shoulder is serious

While Frozen Shoulder itself is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. If you have shoulder discomfort, stiffness, or restricted range of motion, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve your shoulder function.

Interventional Pain Management of Frozen Shoulder

• Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses heat energy to selectively destroy the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals from the shoulder joint.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections contain concentrated platelets that release growth factors, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint.

• Prolotherapy: This pain relief treatment involves injecting a solution, often a dextrose solution, into the affected ligaments and tendons to stimulate healing and reduce pain.

• Acupuncture: Fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to promote pain relief, relaxation, and improved blood flow to the shoulder joint.

• Trigger point injections: These injections target specific trigger points in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint to relieve pain and muscle tension.

• Non-Invasive Neuromodulation: current is applied to specific nerves supplying the shoulder joint, thereby decreasing pain followed by an increased range of motion.