Frozen Shoulder Treatment – Physio, Injections & Arthroscopic Release

About Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually, worsens over time, and can significantly impact daily tasks such as dressing, driving, or lifting.

This condition occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, forming thick bands of tissue (adhesions) that restrict motion. Frozen shoulder can last from several months to a few years, and early intervention can help prevent long-term stiffness.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Stage
   
   • Gradual onset of pain
   • Range of motion begins to reduce
   • Lasts 6–9 months
2. Frozen Stage
   
   • Pain may reduce, but stiffness increases
   • Daily activities become difficult
   • Lasts 4–12 months
3. Thawing Stage
   
   • Slow improvement in motion
   • Pain continues to fade
   • Lasts 6 months to 2 years

Signs & Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

• Dull, aching shoulder pain (often worse at night)
• Stiffness that limits arm movement
• Pain while reaching overhead or behind the back
• Inability to lie on the affected shoulder
• Gradual worsening of range of motion
• Discomfort with simple tasks like combing hair or wearing clothes

Frozen Shoulder Causes

• Idiopathic (unknown origin – most common)
• Post-injury or surgery – Immobilization or disuse of shoulder
• Diabetes mellitus – Strongly associated with frozen shoulder
• Thyroid disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• Heart disease or stroke – Often leads to limited shoulder use
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

• Age 40–60 years
• More common in women
• History of shoulder trauma or surgery
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction
• Prolonged immobilization of the arm

Complications for Frozen Shoulder

• Severe shoulder stiffness
• Prolonged pain and reduced sleep quality
• Muscle weakness due to underuse
• Inability to perform overhead or behind-the-back activities
• Impact on job performance or quality of life
• Psychological distress due to long recovery
   

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

• Physical Examination
  
  • Range of motion testing – both active and passive
• Imaging Tests
  
  • X-ray – Rules out arthritis or bone spurs
  • MRI or Ultrasound – Shows inflammation or thickened capsule
• Medical History
  
  • Includes any recent injury, surgery, or medical conditions

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

• Medications (under specialist care)
  
  • Pain relievers (paracetamol, NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroid tablets or injections
• Physiotherapy
  
  • Stretching and range-of-motion exercises
  • Manual therapy by experienced professionals
• Hot/cold therapy
  
  • Helps reduce pain and inflammation
• TENS therapy or ultrasound therapy

Surgical Options (for resistant cases)

• Hydrodilatation – Injecting fluid into the joint to stretch the capsule
• Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) – Gentle movement of shoulder while patient is under anesthesia
• Arthroscopic Capsular Release – Keyhole surgery to release stiff tissue

At MASSH PROLIFE – Ludhiana, we offer advanced orthopedic care including minimally invasive options that shorten recovery and restore function faster.