ars
- Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or the acromioclavicular joint
- Thyroid problems
- Heart attacks
- Fractures (broken bones) of the upper arm
- Certain cancers
What does a frozen shoulder feel like?
Frozen shoulder can be divided into three different phases or periods.
a) The painful period - This period can last anywhere from six weeks to eight months. Towards the end of this period shoulder pain usually decreases.
b) The frozen or stiff period - This period can last anywhere from six weeks to one year. There is often minimal pain during this period. The most bothersome thing in this period is the lack of shoulder range of motion. During this period shoulder range of motion does not change.
c) The recovery period - This period can last anywhere from six months to two years. During the recovery period there is a gradual increase in shoulder range of motion. Usually there is full recovery of shoulder range of motion. Unfortunately, sometimes the last degrees of range of motion do not come back.
Can a frozen shoulder be detected on X-rays?
X-rays cannot identify frozen shoulder. Special tests such as an arthrogram or an MRI can be ordered to identify frozen shoulder but they are not usually required. These tests may be used to determine tears in the rotator cuff or other shoulder problems that may have caused frozen shoulder.
What is the treatment for a frozen shoulder?
A lot can be done to help people who have frozen shoulder. Most times, treatment will begin with a conservative approach. The following conservative treatments should be tried and continued according to how much pain relief or improvement in shoulder function they produce:
- A program of stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Ice therapy.
- Anti-inflammatory or pain medications.
- Active release therapy.
- Cortisone injections.
Doctors and physical therapists who deal with people who have frozen shoulders can help outline a conservative treatment program.
If the conservative approach to managing a frozen shoulder is not effective, surgery may be required. An orthopaedic surgeon may perform arthroscopic surgery or they may move the shoulder through its full range while the patient is under an anaesthetic thus breaking up scar tissue and loosening the joint capsule.
What other information is available on frozen shoulder?
Shoulder Pain Info's links section has additional information on this topic. Links have been provided to other websites as well as online medical journals.