More often than not, frozen shoulder is a complication of an injury or even due to poor recovery from surgery or a broken arm. The symptoms slowly develop over time but can usually subside after a year or so.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder refers to the stiffness and immobility of the shoulder joint. Often times, it is a complication of a medical condition. It is not known exactly why, but individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from the condition.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Doctors and researchers have yet to figure out the exact causes, but we know that injury or stress can cause the capsule that encloses the muscles and tendons of the joint to become inflamed, which in turn thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint. Individuals with prolonged immobility of a shoulder or who suffer from a medical condition have a much higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. Some ailments that can lead to frozen shoulder include: rotator cuff injury, stroke, diabetes, and both hyper- and hypothyroidism.
Symptoms
The symptoms develop and change depending on the stage, each of which can last for several months.
Freezing Stage
This refers to the beginning of the loss of motion in a shoulder, which can be accompanied by pain.
Frozen Stage
The pain may be less, but the stiffness is even more than before. Usually, this is the stage where a doctor may recommend surgery.
Thawing Stage
This is the stage where you feel the range of motion returning to your affected shoulder. The range of motion should improve and any pain should be long gone.
Treatment in Oklahoma City
To properly diagnose your condition, the doctor will examine both your active and passive range of motion by seeing how much you can move on your own and how much he can move your joint while the shoulder is relaxed. Once diagnosed, the most common treatments for frozen shoulder focus on preserving as much range of motion as possible, along with managing any pain. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed for extreme cases, during which the doctor will remove scar tissue and adhesion from the shoulder joint.
Schedule a Consultation
You are invited to schedule a consultation and learn more about frozen shoulder treatment with Dr. Olsen and the expert staff at Olsen Orthopedics. Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Oklahoma City.