Duration: 6 weeks to 9 months.
Symptoms: Gradual onset of shoulder pain, which worsens over time. Pain is often more severe at night and with certain movements. Stiffness begins to develop as the pain intensifies.
Duration: 4 to 12 months.
Symptoms: Pain may diminish, but stiffness becomes more pronounced. Shoulder movement is significantly restricted, especially during overhead or behind-the-back motions. Daily activities may be challenging due to limited mobility.
Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
Symptoms: Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility as stiffness decreases. Pain continues to lessen, and the range of motion slowly returns to normal.
Inactivity: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder after an injury, surgery, or due to another condition.
Systemic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), Parkinson’s disease, or cardiovascular disease increase the risk.
Age and gender: Most common in individuals aged 40-60, with women being more frequently affected.
Trauma or surgery: Previous shoulder trauma or surgery can trigger the development of frozen shoulder.
Gradual onset of pain: Pain is usually dull or aching, localized to the outer shoulder or upper arm.
Loss of shoulder movement: Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or performing rotational movements.
Stiffness: Limited range of motion, both actively (when moving the arm yourself) and passively (when someone else moves your arm).
Patient history: Describing symptoms and the pattern of progression.
Physical examination: Testing shoulder range of motion and checking for pain during movement.
Imaging: X-rays may rule out other conditions like arthritis, while MRI or ultrasound can show thickening of the joint capsule or inflammation.
Physical therapy: A structured exercise program to stretch and strengthen the shoulder, improving mobility.
Medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or pain relievers to reduce discomfort.
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections into the joint can reduce inflammation and pain, especially in the early phase.
Hydrodilatation: Injection of sterile fluid into the joint to stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA): The shoulder is moved and stretched while the patient is under anesthesia to break up scar tissue.
Arthroscopic capsular release: Minimally invasive surgery to cut and release tight portions of the joint capsule.
Keep the shoulder mobile: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises after an injury or surgery can prevent frozen shoulder.
Control risk factors: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes may reduce the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder.
Avoid prolonged immobility: Limit periods of shoulder inactivity whenever possible.
Miami Shoulder Institute is dedicated to delivering world-class care with compassion, expertise, and integrity. Your mobility, our mission.