Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and restrictive shoulder condition characterized by the gradual loss of shoulder joint mobility and function. It typically develops in three stages: the freezing stage, during which the shoulder becomes increasingly painful and stiff; the frozen stage, marked by persistent stiffness and reduced range of motion; and the thawing stage, when the shoulder gradually improves and regains mobility. Frozen shoulder can result from inflammation, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment often involves physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention to release the joint capsule and restore shoulder movement.
The diagnosis of frozen shoulder typically involves a medical evaluation, including a physical examination of the shoulder joint, assessment of the patient's medical history, and discussions about the onset and progression of symptoms. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other underlying conditions and assess the extent of shoulder involvement. In some cases, a doctor might recommend arthrography, a procedure involving the injection of a contrast dye into the shoulder joint to obtain more detailed images. A proper diagnosis helps differentiate frozen shoulder from other shoulder conditions and guides the development of an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for frozen shoulder typically focuses on pain relief and improving shoulder joint mobility. Options include physical therapy, pain-relief medications, heat and cold therapy, corticosteroid injections, home exercises, hydrodilatation, acupuncture, and in some cases, surgical procedures like shoulder arthroscopy or manipulation under anesthesia. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's condition and response to therapy, with doctors tailoring the approach to individual needs for the best outcomes.