Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is most commonly found in middle-aged adults, with women being more prone to developing this condition than men. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 5% of the population may develop frozen shoulder at some point in their lives, with higher rates among those over the age of 40 [1].
Factors that can Contribute to Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, which gradually worsens over time. While it is not life-threatening, it can make simple daily activities such as getting dressed, lifting objects, or even sleeping difficult. Here are some common facts that may cause frozen shoulders:
- Repetitive overhead activities: Performing repetitive overhead activities, such as painting, swimming, or throwing, can cause strain on the rotator cuff tendons and lead to impingement syndrome.
- Poor posture: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and instability in the shoulder joint, increasing the risk of impingement.
- Aging: As we age, the tendons and muscles in the shoulder can become weaker and less flexible, making them more prone to impingement.
- Shoulder injury: Previous shoulder injuries or trauma can cause structural changes in the shoulder joint, leading to impingement syndrome.
- Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities, such as bone spurs or a hooked acromion, can contribute to impingement by narrowing the space between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion.
- Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in the shoulder joint, leading to impingement.
- Poor muscle strength and flexibility: Weak or tight muscles in the shoulder can increase the risk of impingement by altering the mechanics of the shoulder joint.
- Occupation: Certain occupations that require repetitive shoulder movements, such as construction work or assembly line work, can increase the risk of impingement syndrome.
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can all contribute to the development of impingement syndrome by affecting muscle and joint health.
The factors that most commonly contribute to the development of shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff injuries include overuse, poor posture, muscle imbalances, and age-related changes in the tendons and muscles. However, it’s important to remember that every individual is unique and may have different risk factors for developing these conditions.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule, a layer of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing pain. This condition typically progresses in three stages: the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage [2].
Patients may experience pain and stiffness in their shoulders during the freezing stage, making moving difficult. The frozen stage is characterized by reduced pain, but the shoulder remains stiff, making it challenging to perform daily activities. Finally, the shoulder gradually regains mobility in the thawing stage, and pain and stiffness begin to subside [3].
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but several risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing this condition. These include:
- Age: Frozen shoulder is most common in individuals over the age of 40, with a higher prevalence among women than men. [4]
- Diabetes: Diabetics are more prone to frozen shoulder, possibly due to changes in collagen metabolism. [5]
- Shoulder injury or surgery: Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
- Immobilization: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder joint, such as in a sling or cast, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
- Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, may increase the risk of frozen shoulder. [6]
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
To diagnose frozen shoulder, healthcare professionals typically perform a physical examination, review medical history, and use imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI scans. Treatment choices for frozen shoulder may comprise physical therapy involving stretching and strengthening exercises to enhance shoulder mobility and alleviate discomfort, medications like OTC painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or steroid injections to decrease inflammation [7]. For severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended by doctors to repair the joint capsule.
Importance of Prevention and Early Intervention
While frozen shoulder can occur spontaneously, it is often associated with trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobility. Prevention and early intervention are critical when it comes to frozen shoulder because the condition can become increasingly severe if left untreated. In some cases, the pain and stiffness can become so severe that it can impact daily activities and quality of life. Moreover, the recovery period can become longer, and the treatment required can become more invasive, including surgery or corticosteroid injections.
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen shoulder is to maintain shoulder mobility and flexibility through regular exercise and stretching. It is especially important for individuals who have a higher risk of developing the condition, such as those with diabetes or thyroid disorders. In addition, proper posture and ergonomics can also help prevent shoulder injuries.
Early intervention with proper diagnosis and treatment can also improve the prognosis and prevent further complications. If an individual experiences shoulder pain or stiffness, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from progressing. A healthcare professional can perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and other diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Preventing Frozen Shoulder
Preventing frozen shoulder involves maintaining shoulder mobility and flexibility. The following tips can help reduce the risk of developing frozen shoulder:
- Regular exercise: Incorporating shoulder-specific exercises into a daily routine can help maintain shoulder mobility and flexibility. These exercises may include arm circles, shoulder shrugs, and wall push-ups.
- Stretching: Stretching exercises such as the cross-body and overhead stretch can help improve shoulder flexibility.
- Posture: Maintaining a good posture while sitting or standing can help reduce the strain on the shoulders and prevent frozen shoulder.
- Avoiding prolonged immobilization: Avoid prolonged immobilization of the shoulder joint, such as wearing a sling for an extended period.
- Technology: Advances in technology have made it possible to detect joint movement and activity more accurately. 3D body scanning technology is now available to detect and monitor joint activity, which can help identify any early warning signs of frozen shoulder.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any shoulder pain or stiffness, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent frozen shoulder and other related conditions.
How to Determine If You Have Shoulder Periarthritis
Shoulder pain and stiffness are common symptoms of various shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder impingement. One of the most common shoulder conditions is shoulder impingement syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome. However, another common shoulder condition that affects the shoulder joint is called adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder.
- Pain and stiffness
Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which can make it challenging to perform daily activities, such as dressing or combing hair. The pain may be a dull ache or a sharp pain, and it can worsen at night or with movement. In some cases, the pain may also radiate to the neck or upper arm.
- Limited Range of Motion
Another hallmark symptom of frozen shoulder is limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. This can make it difficult to raise the arm, rotate the shoulder, or reach behind the back. The limited range of motion can be due to the inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule.
- Difficulty Sleeping
Many people with frozen shoulder find it challenging to sleep comfortably because of the pain and stiffness. They may have difficulty finding a comfortable position and may wake up frequently due to the discomfort.
- Using 3D Body Scanning Technology
Advancements in technology have made it possible to detect your shoulder conditions using 3D body scanning technology. This technology can provide detailed information on the structure and movement of the shoulder joint, which can be used to identify any abnormalities or imbalances.
In conclusion, identifying the signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions is crucial to prevent further complications and improve prognosis. Seeking medical attention and using advanced technologies such as 3D body scanning can help diagnose and treat shoulder conditions effectively.
How to treat frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder can be a challenging condition to treat, but several treatment options are available, including:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help restore shoulder mobility and flexibility.You can use a body scanner to help detect joint, allowing your physical therapist to better understand the your shoulder function suituation. A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise and stretching program to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. However, repeated use of corticosteroid injections can have negative effects on joint health, and it is not recommended to use them for extended periods.
- Hydrodilatation: In hydrodilatation, a saline solution is injected into the shoulder joint to expand and stretch the joint capsule, reducing pain and stiffness.
- Surgery: In severe cases of frozen shoulder, surgery may be necessary to release the joint capsule and restore shoulder mobility.
Among these, physical therapy can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and restore function to the affected shoulder joint without invasive treatment.
However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to one’s specific needs and condition.
The Bottom Line
It is crucial to note that many individuals struggle with maintaining a consistent exercise routine to improve joint health. While some may start with good intentions, it can be challenging to sustain the effort and discipline required to see lasting results. This can lead to frustration and discouragement, causing individuals to give up altogether.
Modern lifestyles, including prolonged sitting and the use of electronic devices, can contribute to poor posture and joint issues. Many individuals may not even realize the impact of these habits until they experience pain or discomfort.
To address these challenges, using innovative technologies like 3D body scanners can help individuals monitor their joint health and activity levels. These tools provide valuable insights into joint mobility, allowing individuals to track progress and adjust their exercise routines accordingly.
Preventing frozen shoulder and other joint issues requires proactive measures, including regular exercise, proper posture, and early intervention when needed..
References
- Information, N.C. for B., Pike, U.S.N.L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B. and Usa, 20894 (2018). Frozen shoulder: Overview. [online] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326432/.
- Mezian, K. and Chang, K.-V. (2020). Frozen Shoulder. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482162/.
- aicastaging (2022). Signs That Frozen Shoulder Is Starting to Thaw. [online] AICA Orthopedics. Available at: https://aica.com/signs-that-frozen-shoulder-is-starting-to-thaw/ [Accessed 30 Apr. 2023].
- Inayat, F., Ali, N.S., Shahid, H. and Younus, F. (n.d.). Prevalence and Determinants of Frozen Shoulder in Patients with Diabetes: A Single Center Experience from Pakistan. Cureus, [online] 9(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1544.
- Dyer, B.P., Rathod-Mistry, T., Burton, C., van der Windt, D. and Bucknall, M. (2023). Diabetes as a risk factor for the onset of frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, [online] 13(1), p.e062377. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062377.
- Cohen, C., Tortato, S., Silva, O.B.S., Leal, M.F., Ejnisman, B. and Faloppa, F. (2020). Associação entre ombro congelado e tireopatias: Reforçando as evidências. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia, 55(04), pp.483–489. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402476.
- Harvard Health Publishing (2018). 7 stretching & strengthening exercises for a frozen shoulder – Harvard Health. [online] Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/shoulders/stretching-exercises-frozen-shoulder.
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