Chronic adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It is caused when the shoulder capsule, a soft tissue structure surrounding the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed and thickened. This thickening causes a decrease in range of motion, resulting in pain and stiffness.
The exact cause of chronic adhesive capsulitis is unknown. However, there are several risk factors that may contribute to its development. These include age, as the condition is more common in people aged 40-70 years old; gender, as it is more common in women than in men; diabetes, as having diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition; and trauma or surgery to the area, as a previous injury to the shoulder or surgery can lead to the development of chronic adhesive capsulitis.
Other potential causes of chronic adhesive capsulitis include immobility or lack of use of the shoulder joint, as the shoulder becomes stiff and painful if it is not used regularly; overuse or repetitive motion of the shoulder joint, as this can lead to inflammation; and certain medical conditions, such as stroke, thyroid disease, and Parkinson’s disease, which can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Finally, it is believed that chronic adhesive capsulitis can be triggered by psychological stress, as the condition is more common in people who are under emotional stress. This suggests that there may be a link between the psychological and physical aspects of the condition.