The Basics about Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder

The shoulder is the most versatile joint of our body, we use it for essential day to day activities, movements like pushing or pulling, lifting, or carrying from light to heavy objects are the shoulder’s specialty. This is also one of the reasons why the rotator cuff is prone to injuries like tears, strains, and fractures. However, in the case of Frozen Shoulder condition, it can also be affected by the lack of mobility.

Adhesive capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder is characterized by a sensation of tightness in our shoulders and its consequent restraint in mobility and flexibility. This condition occurs due to the lack of mobility of the shoulder, which may be caused by previous injuries in the rotator cuff, fractures, or because of lack of movement of this area in cases of a long recovery from an illness or surgery, among other factors.

As the name suggests, the part of the shoulder affected in this condition is the capsule, which is a tissue that covers the part of the shoulder where its bones (shoulder blade, collarbone, and humerus) ensemble. The inflammation of this tissue can limit to a great extent the mobility of the shoulders and this is what we know as Frozen Shoulder.

The symptoms may start with an initial sensation of stiffness and pain, even at night. In an advanced stage, pain may start to fade, but restriction to movement intensifies, it may progress until shoulder mobility is completely halted.

Recovery from this condition can be long but steady, people with this condition must avoid making abrasive moves that involve the rotator cuff. Some treatments for Frozen Shoulder include taking medicine for alleviating the pain. Additionally, basic flexibility and strength exercises are essential to healing, as well as keep an appropriate posture. In many cases, physical therapy might be the best option. Other alternatives include hydro-dilatation and the manipulation of shoulders under anesthesia effects by an expert.

Surgery is also a choice, if this is the case, shoulder arthroscopy is the procedure to be followed. It consists of a series of small incisions to the capsule. The objective of this surgery is to remove the damaged tissue. The full recovery from this procedure could take around six months. The procedure should be followed by physical therapy to avoid immobilizing the shoulders and getting the capsule to tighten again. With this, shoulder mobility should gradually improve

Overall, it is highly recommended to do some stretching and resistance exercises frequently to strengthen and give more flexibility to our shoulders. Doing regular shoulder exercises will cause an evident improvement in the motion range of our shoulders. This habit will also help to keep the joints healthy and naturally, prevent shoulder related issues, such as the infamous Frozen Shoulder or even injuries from sports or working out.  

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119