Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms and Causes

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can be a painful and frustrating condition. It is marked by stiffness and limited motion in your shoulder, making daily tasks challenging. You might feel a constant ache, especially at night, which can disrupt your sleep.

The exact causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood, but it often occurs after an injury or surgery. Sometimes, it appears without any clear reason. People with certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems are more prone to this condition.

If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, know that it usually goes through stages and can last months or even years. Understanding the symptoms and what prompts this condition is key to finding relief and regaining shoulder function.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms come on gradually. You may notice limited movement and pain in the shoulder. These symptoms can progress through different stages.

Limited Range of Motion

With frozen shoulder, you might find that raising your arm gets harder over time. Reaching for items on a shelf or even putting on clothing can seem challenging. Your shoulder can feel stiff, making everyday activities difficult. Overhead movements, like combing your hair or washing your back, can be particularly tough. It usually affects one shoulder, which can make things lopsided. This restriction may last for months, impacting your daily routine.

Persistent Pain

You may experience constant pain in your shoulder, even at rest. Pain can worsen at night, affecting your sleep. This ache typically spreads throughout the shoulder, extending down the arm. You might notice the pain more when you move or try to stretch your arm. Daily tasks that involve arm movement can become quite uncomfortable. The level of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, interfering with normal activities.

Stages of Symptom Progression

Frozen shoulder symptoms progress in three stages.

• The first stage, freezing, involves a gradual increase in pain and stiffness. This can last from six weeks to nine months.
• The second stage, frozen, often sees pain easing but stiffness remaining. Movement may become more restricted. This stage can last 4 to 6 months.
• The final stage, thawing, is when your symptoms begin to improve. You regain both motion and strength gradually over six months to two years.

Recognizing these stages can help you understand your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder can be linked to several causes and factors that may put you at risk. Key issues include certain health conditions, age, hormonal changes, and past shoulder injuries. Knowing these can help you identify if you might be more likely to develop this condition.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain medical issues increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Diabetes is a major factor. People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting it, though the reason is not completely clear. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, also add to the risk. Other conditions, like heart disease and Parkinson’s, may play a role. These conditions might lead to inflammation or limit joint mobility, raising the chances of frozen shoulder.

Age and Hormonal Factors

Frozen shoulder is commonly seen in people aged 40 to 60. As you get older, the risk increases. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Hormonal changes, especially around menopause, might play a part. The exact reason why hormones might affect the shoulder is not fully understood, but they could impact joint and bone health. It’s important to be aware of these factors if you’re near this age group or experiencing hormonal shifts.

Previous Shoulder Injuries

Injuries or surgery around the shoulder can lead to frozen shoulder later on. If your shoulder has been immobilized after an injury, you have a higher chance of developing stiffness. This can happen after surgeries like rotator cuff repair. Immobility during healing restricts movement, causing scar tissue to form. Keeping your joint active and following physical therapy instructions is crucial to avoid complications. Make sure to discuss any past shoulder issues with your doctor to manage your risk better.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a painful and frustrating condition. It may limit your daily activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.

Seeking professional help is important. Consider visiting Cloverdale Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic. Our team in Surrey, BC is dedicated to helping you with personalized care.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Take the first step toward recovery. Reach out today and start your journey to health.