Introduction: Overview of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition is more common in women than men and usually occurs in people aged between 40 and 60 years old. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for frozen shoulder singapore.

Causes of Frozen Shoulders in Women

There is no known cause of frozen shoulder, but certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition. Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulders than men. Some of the other factors that increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder include:

Age

Frozen shoulder is a condition that primarily affects people aged between 40 and 60 years old. This age group is more prone to developing this condition due to a variety of factors, including decreased mobility and increased wear and tear on the shoulder joint over time. The risk of developing a frozen shoulder increases with age, and individuals over the age of 60 are at an even higher risk.

Inactivity or Immobility

Prolonged periods of sedentariness or immobility can augment the susceptibility to acquiring a frozen shoulder. This can be attributed to the fact that the connective tissues enveloping the shoulder joint tend to become rigid and inflamed when the joint is left idle for a protracted duration. This rigidity and inflammation can eventually give rise to the onset of a frozen shoulder. Such vulnerability is particularly pronounced among individuals who have recently undergone a surgical procedure or suffered an injury that has impeded the mobility of their shoulder joint.

Medical Conditions

There are certain medical ailments that can heighten the susceptibility to acquiring a frozen shoulder. One such instance is in the case of individuals afflicted with diabetes, who are at a greater risk of developing this condition. This is owing to the fact that diabetes can inflict damage on the nerves and blood vessels that supply the shoulder joint, thereby culminating in inflammation and stiffness. Furthermore, individuals with thyroid disorders may also face an elevated risk of developing frozen shoulders, primarily due to hormonal imbalances that exert an impact on the joint.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of a frozen shoulder generally manifest in a gradual manner and may take anywhere from several months to a few years to manifest in their entirety. These symptoms can render it arduous to execute routine tasks, such as donning clothing or grasping objects situated atop elevated shelves, more so when you’re at home. Some of the most prevalent indications of a frozen shoulder encompass:

One of the cardinal symptoms of a frozen shoulder is stiffness. This transpires when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint thicken and constrict, constricting movement and giving rise to discomfort. The intensity of stiffness can vary from slight to severe, and it can significantly impede an individual's ability to engage in routine activities, such as combing their hair or fastening their seatbelt. As the condition advances, the stiffness may exacerbate, more stringently constraining movement and causing augmented agony.

In addition to stiffness, pain is another common symptom of a frozen shoulder. The pain is usually felt in the shoulder and can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the condition. Some people may feel a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens at night, while others may experience a sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arm.

Another symptom of a frozen shoulder is a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder joint. This takes place when the tissues surrounding the joint thicken and constrict, constricting its movement. As a consequence, individuals with frozen shoulders may have trouble engaging in activities that demand elevating their arms above their head, such as shampooing their hair or accessing objects on high shelves. The constrained range of motion can likewise affect the capacity to work or exercise, leading to additional complications like muscle weakness or reduced mobility.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

To diagnose a frozen shoulder, your doctor will perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion and any areas of pain or stiffness in your shoulder joint. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Once a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is determined, the treatment options presented will depend on the severity of the symptoms manifested. Among the most typical courses of treatment for frozen shoulder are:

Physical therapy is often the primary approach to remedying a frozen shoulder. Your physical therapist will collaborate with you to develop a series of exercises designed to increase your range of motion while diminishing pain and rigidity in the shoulder joint. The exercises may encompass stretching, strength training, and range of motion exercises.

Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may alleviate pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. However, if over-the-counter medications are insufficient, your physician may prescribe stronger pain-relieving medications.

Corticosteroid injections may be employed to decrease inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint if other remedies fail to produce results.

Surgery is usually deemed the final option for treating frozen shoulders. If other treatments have been ineffective in decreasing your pain and improving your range of motion, your physician may recommend surgical intervention to eliminate scar tissue or release constricted tissues in the shoulder joint.

It's crucial to recognize that recovery from a frozen shoulder can be protracted, and it may take several months before any noticeable improvement in symptoms can be observed. Nevertheless, with the appropriate treatment regimen and appropriate symptom management, it's possible to mitigate the effects of a frozen shoulder and regain full use of the shoulder joint.

Conclusion: Managing Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a prevalent medical condition that may result in rigidity and discomfort in the shoulder joint. Despite various risk factors, the root cause of frozen shoulder is still largely unknown. Manifestations of frozen shoulder are typically progressive, taking several months to several years to develop fully. Physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery are among the treatment possibilities for a frozen shoulder.

It is of great importance to consult with your physician if you experience rigidity or discomfort in your shoulder to diagnose the underlying cause and devise an effective treatment regimen for your condition.