Frozen shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis of the shoulder is a condition of the shoulder joint which presents with shoulder pain and decreased range of motion of the shoulder joint significantly. Frozen shoulder usually affects the nondominant with higher incidence in females than males. In a lifetime, a patient has about a 30% chance of having frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder. This shoulder pain is felt deep inside the shoulder joint or in the arm up to the elbow. Most patients feel the pain around the upper arm (area of deltoid muscle). Pain becomes worse at night with difficulty sleeping. Patients cannot sleep on the same side of the shoulder pain. Shoulder pain can arise from the cervical spine, heart, gallbladder, or even the lung on the same side, but it can be easily differentiated by a shoulder expert.

To begin with, it just seems like a niggle of pain in and around the shoulder joint but slowly increases in intensity. For example, you may not be able to reach the back pocket or the opposite shoulder. Patients give a history of a sudden jerk which is usually very painful, and following the jerk or trauma, there is an increase in pain intensity. The pain can be very excruciating, requiring a lot of painkillers. Night pain is a very particular feature of this disease.

Frozen shoulder is a condition of the shoulder which affects the nondominant side and is more common in females. Men and women are usually affected in the 4th to 6th decade of life. The course of the disease is highly variable, and frozen shoulders may last from a few months to a few years. If left untreated, the condition leads to a loss of productive hours or days. If shoulder pain drastically decreases your range of motion, you should visit a shoulder specialist.

Facts and Myths about Frozen Shoulder

Myth: It is just routine shoulder pain, and over-the-counter medicine can fix it.

Fact: Frozen shoulder requires a proper understanding and specific treatment.

Myth: Every shoulder pain is due to a frozen shoulder.

Fact: There are many causes of shoulder pain. However, frozen shoulder is more common in females, nondominant arms, and diabetic patients. Even patients with hypothyroidism are prone to frozen shoulder.

Fact about Frozen Shoulder and Diabetes

It is true that diabetic patients are more prone to developing frozen shoulders due to an association between hyperglycemia and capsular thickening, leading to a stiff joint.

Myth: Shoulder injections worsen the stiffness and are harmful.

Fact: Intra-articular injections, such as Triamcinolone, are beneficial in the early stages of frozen shoulder when inflammation is progressing into the shoulder capsule.

Benefits of Intra-articular Injection: Joint injections quickly reduce pain and help avoid painkillers. They should be administered under aseptic conditions by a shoulder specialist.

Role of Physiotherapy in Frozen Shoulder

Once the initial pain subsides, guided rehabilitation helps improve the range of motion and overall shoulder function.

If excessive pain occurs during or after physiotherapy, it may worsen the symptoms. Hence, the timing of rehab should be decided by a shoulder specialist.

What is the role of Arthroscopy in Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery offered to patients who have not responded to conservative treatments like physiotherapy and injections.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Delhi

Dr. Vishwadeep Sharma, a renowned shoulder treatment doctor in Delhi, provides effective and lasting relief for frozen shoulders through innovative and traditional methods.

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