What is Frozen Shoulder and How Do I Fix It?

October 13, 2023

Orthopedic injuries and musculoskeletal pain are extremely common issues that a sizable number of people deal with at some point in their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), shoulder pain in particular is experienced by 18-26% of adults in the US alone.

Frozen shoulder syndrome (also called adhesive capsulitis) is one of many conditions that can cause shoulder pain. When diagnosed, frozen shoulder should be treated by an orthopedic specialist to minimize pain.  

What is Frozen Shoulder? 

Frozen shoulder usually results from decreased shoulder activity. When you don’t move your shoulder for long periods, the connective tissues that stitch your muscles together can tighten around the shoulder joint, causing pain and reduced range of motion.

Frozen shoulder can take two to nine months to fully develop, and symptoms will continue to worsen if patients do not seek treatment. The most common frozen shoulder symptoms are pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of shoulder motion.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of frozen shoulder syndrome, including existing shoulder injuries, thyroid conditions, diabetes, heart disease, and past shoulder surgeries. 

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options 

There are treatment options available for frozen shoulder that can effectively alleviate pain and restore your shoulder’s natural range of motion. Common frozen shoulder treatments include: 

Nonsurgical Care

Most cases of frozen shoulder can be remedied without surgery. Typically, treatment includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control inflammation around the affected area and lessen pain. Some providers may also recommend physical therapy exercises designed to improve range of motion and reduce pain. If a pain persists after treatment with NSAIDs, providers may prescribe corticosteroid injections. 

Surgery

If nonsurgical treatment options fail to yield improvement, patients have options. Frozen shoulder surgeries aim to reduce stiffness in the shoulder joint’s capsule tissue by manually stretching or releasing the tissue.  

Seek Personalized Care 

The best frozen shoulder treatment for a patient depends on their unique needs and symptoms, which is why it’s important to find an experienced provider who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. The experts at the Bone and Joint Center of Yuma are dedicated to finding each patient the right solution for their unique health concerns.

Reach out today to schedule an appointment!