What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is a generic term used to label any painful shoulder but actually it is a very specific condition medically termed as Adhesive Capsulitis where the entire capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes swollen (inflammed) & thickened leading to severe pain in the shoulder & restriction of movements. 

What are the causes of Frozen Shoulder?

Most commonly there is no antecedent cause found for Frozen Shoulder tough it is most commonly associated with poorly controlled diabetes & is seen mostly in diabetics. Although it can occur in a normal person without any medical problem but it is pretty rare. Other causes are stiffness arising due to some injury or surgery leading to prolonged immobilisation

How does Frozen Shoulder present?

Initially the pain can be dull aching with gradual restriction of movements. This gradually progresses to severe pain including at night which disturbs sleep & the movement restriction also worsens it is this active phase which is the most painful & troublesome 

Once the active phase settles the pain reduces but the movement restriction remains the same or progresses. If all other parameters like sugars are controlled then gradually the shoulder starts to open up 8-10 months down the line & gradually opens up almost completely in 18 months to 2 years

What causes delay in recovery of a Frozen Shoulder?

Usual time for recovery from a Frozen Shoulder is 18 months to 2 years but in some cases like uncontrolled diabetes or some aggressive exercises during the painful phase tend to delay the recovery further or incomplete recovery altogether

How is Frozen Shoulder best managed?

It is important to understand the presenting complaints & initiate the treatment accordingly. When the shoulder is very painful no exercises should be done as it worsens the problem & pain control should be the only motto. Once the pain settles down appropriate exercises are started to open up the shoulder.

Properly guided exercises open up the shoulder gradually in around 6 months instead of 18 months of natural recovery

So it is of utmost important not to ignore the shoulder pain & visit a Shoulder specialist to accurately diagnose & treat the condition