Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis is a serious shoulder joint issue. The patients find difficulty in moving and rotating their shoulders. The primary reason for the disease is the stiffness in the shoulder girdle. This is not an age-specific problem. However, those people who used to keep their shoulders still due to arm surgery or fracture are more likely to become the victim of frozen shoulders.
Sometimes, patients experience minor symptoms at the initial stage but later on, these symptoms become worse. Often, within 1 to 3 years, they feel relief from pain and other sensations. Physical therapies and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered effective treatments. Besides them, surgical treatment is also an effective way to loosen the stiffness of the joint capsule.
What Are the Probable Causes of the Frozen Shoulder?
Despite the latest developments in drug discovery, medical science has not found the real cause of the frozen shoulder. This condition arises due to the inflammation in the joint of the shoulders that leads to stiffness and thickness in its joint capsule. Afterwards, thickness in scar tissues called adhesive is formed. The synovial fluid that is essential to lubricate shoulder joints also reduces.
Watch Out for the Symptoms of the Frozen Shoulder
Check out the following list of symptoms to identify the issue at the initial phase:
- Stiffness and pain in shoulders that do not go away
- The intensity of the pain goes high at night
- Trouble in sleeping
- Restriction of movement of the shoulder in all directions.
What Is the Course of Treatment for the Frozen Shoulder?
Non-operative Treatment
Dr Banarji B.H., a well-known Orthopaedics, starts the treatment of a frozen shoulder with some effective non-operative methods. Go over the following details to understand the non-operative treatment procedures that are effective in eliminating symptoms:
- Apply hot and cold packs on the affected area
- Physical therapies (stretching and range-of-motion exercises) to restore muscle strength and loosen joint stiffness. Physical therapy has a definitive role in the treatment of frozen shoulder but it needs to be taken for a prolonged duration.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections become vital if the pain is severe
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device to reduce pain.
Surgical Treatment
In cases where conservative treatments fail, or if the symptoms recur, a surgical treatment may be considered.
- Shoulder arthroscopy: The surgeon makes small incisions through the tight parts of the joint capsule to loosen it. Then, they’ll insert mini-tools through incisions around your shoulders. Post-surgery physiotherapy is mandatory to prevent recurrence.
Dr Banarji’s Expertise In Helping patients with Frozen Shoulder
Dr Banarji is an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon in Bangalore with 20 years of experience, renowned for his expertise in treating frozen shoulders. He offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced arthroscopy and reconstructive surgeries for the shoulder and upper limb. Dr Banarji’s dedication to innovative treatment methods and personalized patient care has established him as a leading authority in managing frozen shoulders, helping countless patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life.
