Frozen shoulder is a common condition in which the shoulder stiffens, reducing its mobility. It commonly affects people between 40 and 60 years old, and it occurs more in women than in men. It can affect one or both shoulders and is estimated to affect about 3% of people. If you are interested in treating frozen shoulder in Oklahoma City, contact the medical team at Olsen Orthopedics right away.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is thought to happen when scar tissue forms in the shoulder. This causes the shoulder joint’s capsule to thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Movement may become stiff and painful.
The exact cause is not fully understood, and it cannot always be identified. However, most people with frozen shoulder in Oklahoma City have experienced immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture.
Common factors that may lead to the development of frozen shoulder in Oklahoma City are:
- Being over 40 years of age.
- 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.
- Surgery or an arm fracture can lead to immobility during recovery, and this may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen.
- 10 to 20% of people with diabetes develop frozen shoulder, and symptoms may be more severe. The reasons are unclear.
Signs and Symptoms
A person with the condition will have a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms develop gradually. Symptoms are usually classified in three stages as they worsen gradually and then resolve within a 2- to 3-year period.
Freezing, or Painful Stage
Pain increases gradually, making shoulder motion harder and harder. Pain tends to be worse at night.
Frozen
Pain does not worsen, and it may decrease at this stage. The shoulder remains stiff.
Thawing
Movement gets easier and may eventually return to normal. Pain may fade but occasionally recur.
Treatment Options
After a diagnosis of frozen shoulder in Oklahoma City, your aim should be to ease any discomfort and preserve mobility and flexibility in the shoulder. Although recovery may be gradual, there are several treatment options you may consider.
One thing is certain: When you suffer from frozen shoulder in Oklahoma City, it is best to talk to a qualified doctor about what treatment option to follow. A state-of-the-art facility located in Midwest City, Olsen Orthopedics specializes in the treatment of sports injuries, shoulder and knee pain, joint replacement surgery and fracture care. Contact us today to book an initial assessment and get started.
