TREAT Frozen Shoulder

If you’re experiencing dull or achy pain, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and/or discomfort in the shoulder

(glenohumeral joint), you may be suffering from frozen shoulder, a condition that develops gradually over time. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder occurs when adhesions develop causing the shoulder capsule to thicken and becomes stiff and tight. “You also may find you are unable to sleep on the side with shoulder pain or find it difficult sleeping at all,” says Deanna FerrariLeong, orthopedic navigator at Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center.

“There are three stages of frozen shoulder,” Deanna says. The first stage is called freezing and happens over a period

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

of six to nine months, often resulting in gradual or worsening pain and loss of range of motion. The second stage is frozen and lasts four to six months, resulting in less pain but more stiffness. Lastly, stage three is the thawing stage where the shoulder improves slowly over a period of six months to two years.

“There isn’t a clear reason or cause for this ailment unfortunately,” says Deanna. “It appears in 2% of the general public and interestingly enough more so in women between the ages of 40 and 60.” Conditions that can increase risk include diabetes, overactive/underactive thyroid, stroke, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and recent surgery or injury of the shoulder/arm.

If you suspect you may have frozen shoulder, contact your physician. By performing a physical exam, taking a detailed medical history, and administering x-rays, a proper diagnosis can be made. Treatments range from medications and steroid shots to reduce pain and swelling to physical therapy and home exercise programs. If those treatments are not effective over a period of time there are two other options performed under anesthesia, shoulder manipulation and shoulder arthroscopy.