Frozen shoulders, also known as adhesive capsulitis, are a type of painful condition that affects the shoulder joint. It occurs when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, stiff, and immobile. Symptoms of a frozen shoulder can include pain, limited range of motion, and decreased mobility. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or even a medical condition.
Causes of Frozen Shoulders
There are several potential causes of frozen shoulders, including:
Injury: Frozen shoulders can be caused by an injury, such as a fall or a car accident, that causes damage to the shoulder joint. The injury can cause swelling and inflammation of the joint, which can lead to the development of a frozen shoulder.
Overuse: Repetitive use of the shoulder joint can cause it to become inflamed and stiff, leading to a frozen shoulder. This type of injury is especially common in athletes and people who do manual labor.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
Age: Frozen shoulders are more common in people over the age of 40.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulders
Treatment for frozen shoulders involves a combination of physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and restore function to the shoulder joint.
Physical therapy is often recommended to help improve range of motion and mobility. This may involve exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the shoulder joint. Medications, such as anti-inflammatories and steroid injections, may also be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
In some cases, lifestyle changes may be recommended to help prevent the recurrence of frozen shoulders. This may include avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the shoulder joint, such as lifting heavy objects or playing sports.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the underlying cause of the frozen shoulder. Surgery may involve cutting the shoulder capsule, which can help restore range of motion and mobility.