Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a painful shoulder condition that limits movement and causes stiffness in the joint. It is also called adhesive capsulitis and may progress to the state where you may find it very hard to move your arm. Frozen shoulder is more common in older adults between 40 and 60 years, and occurs more often in women than men.
The condition is caused by the inflammation of the shoulder capsule, the tissue that surrounds the joint. The shoulder capsule becomes thick, tight and forms stiff bands of tissue called adhesions. The risk of a frozen shoulder increases with immobilization for long periods of time following injury or surgeries, and may be associated with other disease conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or cardiac diseases.

The condition can be diagnosed by the presenting symptoms and radiological diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment for frozen shoulder may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections for pain, treatment of the underlying risk factors or shoulder arthroscopy surgery. During surgery, the scar tissue is removed and tight ligaments are dissected. Following surgery, physical therapy is advised to bring full range of motion and strengthen the muscles.

Other Shoulder and Elbow Conditions

• Adult Forearm Fractures
• Arthritis of the Shoulder
• Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow
• Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Distal Biceps Rupture
• Distal Humerus Fractures of the Elbow
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Elbow Dislocation
• Elbow Injuries in the Throwing Athlete
• Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis
• Elbow Fractures in Children
• Forearm Fractures in Children
• Fracture of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
• Frozen Shoulder
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Osteoarthritis of the Elbow
• Osteochondritis Dissecans
• Radial Head Fractures of the Elbow
• Recurrent and Chronic Elbow Instability
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Shoulder Joint Tear (Glenoid Labrum Tear)
• Shoulder Impingement
• Shoulder Injuries in the Throwing Athlete
• Shoulder Instability
• Shoulder Separation
• SLAP Tears
• Shoulder Trauma (Fractures and Dislocations)
• Tennis Elbow
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow (Cubital TunnelSyndrome)
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury