Frozen shoulder
What is Frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder affects one in 20 people and is more common between the ages of 40 and 60. The recovery can span several months to, in some cases, a few years. Although the pain associated with a frozen shoulder can be severe and debilitating, the vast majority of people will eventually get better with or without treatment.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is the painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule (the tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint).
This can lead to symptoms which may include:
- Pain which can be severe and radiate down the arm.
- The shoulder can be very stiff, limiting your ability to use your arm for day-to-day activities.
- Pain can significantly disturb sleep.
The typical pattern of frozen shoulder is firstly pain which gradually improves, often over several months. It is then followed by stiffness which slowly worsens and becomes the main problem. The stiffness then gradually resolves. Frozen shoulder usually improves with time, but it can take around 1-4 years to resolve. Recurrence of this problem is unusual, although the opposite shoulder gets affected in 6% to 17% of patients within 5 years.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown. For some reason, your body has an over reactive response to a minor injury and tries to heal your shoulder capsule with scar tissue.
Factors that may play a role in the development of frozen shoulder:
- It is more common between the ages of 40-60.
- Having other health conditions, particularly Diabetes, thyroid gland problems and suffering previous cardiovascular events.
- Being overweight, particularly weight around the middle.
- Smoking.
- Previous shoulder surgery or injuries can increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- If you have had a Dupuytren’s contracture in your hand this may also make developing a frozen shoulder more likely.
Call 999 or go to A+E if:
- You experience pain, weakness or a sudden inability to lift your arm after suffering an injury, such as a fall or following an epileptic fit.
- You have shoulder pain and feel generally unwell and have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery.
- Your arm or shoulder has changed shape or is badly swollen.
- If you develop severe pain in both shoulders
- You have persistent pins and needles or numbness in the arm.
3 FACTS ABOUT FROZEN SHOULDERS
Pain is not a sign that you are causing yourself harm. Using your arm and moving, as much as you can, will maintain mobility and improve recovery in the long run.
Lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet, sleep, physical and mental health all have an influence on pain and recovery.
Research has shown that there is no difference between physiotherapy and surgery in the long term for frozen shoulder. Fortunately, most people improve over time without needing invasive treatment.