What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by pain and loss of motion in shoulder joint. It is more common in older adults aged between 40 and 60 years and is more common in women than men.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is caused by inflammation of the ligaments holding the shoulder bones to each other. The shoulder capsule becomes thick, tight, and the stiff bands of tissue called adhesions may develop. Individuals with shoulder injury, shoulder surgeries, shoulder immobilised for longer period, other disease conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease and cardiac diseases are at risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder may cause pain and stiffness and limit the movements of shoulder.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder condition can be diagnosed by the presenting symptoms and radiological diagnostic procedures such as X-rays or MRI scans, although often these are not required.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Conservative Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Conservative treatment options include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections for pain
- Formal ultrasound guided hydrodilatation
- Physiotherapy to improve your range of motion
- Sometimes heat may be applied to reduce pain
Surgery for Frozen Shoulder
Your surgeon may recommend shoulder arthroscopy when the conservative treatment does not work. During surgery, the scar tissue will be removed and tight ligaments, if any, will be dissected. Following surgery physiotherapy will be advised to bring full range of motion and strengthen the muscles.
Arthroscopic Capsular Release
This is a shoulder arthroscopic procedure where under a general anaesthetic, an electrocautery device is inserted into the shoulder and used to systematically release a tight shoulder capsule and clean up any inflammatory tissue. It is often preceded a controlled manipulation of the shoulder to release any scar tissue.