Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition characterized by progressive pain, stiffness, and restricted movement of the shoulder joint. It develops when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to reduced joint space and limited mobility.
Under the expert care of Dr. Dnyaneshwar, an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon in Bangalore, frozen shoulder is managed with a patient-centric, step-by-step approach aimed at relieving pain, restoring movement, and preventing long-term stiffness.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Common symptoms include:

  • Gradual onset of shoulder pain

  • Pain worsening at night or during rest

  • Increasing stiffness of the shoulder

  • Difficulty lifting the arm or performing overhead activities

  • Restricted range of motion in all directions

  • Pain during daily activities like dressing or grooming

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages—painful, stiff, and recovery phases.

Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder can develop due to:

  • Prolonged shoulder immobilization after injury or surgery

  • Diabetes (strongly associated risk factor)

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Previous shoulder injury or surgery

  • Age between 40 and 60 years

  • More common in women than men

  • Post-stroke or neurological conditions

In many cases, the exact cause may not be clearly identified.

When to See an Orthopaedic Doctor

Consult Dr. Dnyaneshwar if:

  • Shoulder pain persists for several weeks

  • Stiffness progressively worsens

  • Daily activities become difficult

  • Pain disrupts sleep

  • There is no improvement with home exercises or medication

Early medical intervention can significantly shorten recovery time.

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and includes:

  • Detailed shoulder examination

  • Assessment of active and passive shoulder movement

  • X-rays to rule out arthritis or fractures

  • MRI or ultrasound if rotator cuff injury is suspected

Accurate diagnosis helps differentiate frozen shoulder from other shoulder conditions.

Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment

Most patients respond well to conservative care:

  • Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications

  • Supervised physiotherapy to improve mobility

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

  • Heat therapy and activity modification

Consistency with physiotherapy is crucial for recovery.

Surgical or Interventional Treatment

Recommended when conservative treatment fails:

  • Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)

  • Arthroscopic capsular release to loosen tight capsule

  • Minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery

  • Early post-procedure physiotherapy for best results

Benefits of Early Treatment
  • Faster pain relief

  • Prevents severe stiffness

  • Improves shoulder movement and strength

  • Reduces duration of disease

  • Enhances quality of life

  • Minimizes need for surgery

Early-stage management leads to better outcomes.

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare

Recovery depends on the stage and treatment approach:

  • Regular physiotherapy and home exercises

  • Gradual improvement over weeks to months

  • Pain management during rehabilitation

  • Avoid prolonged shoulder immobilization

  • Continuous follow-up to monitor progress

Most patients recover fully with appropriate treatment and guidance.

Book an Appointment

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, consult Dr. Dnyaneshwar, a trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon in Bangalore, for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for frozen shoulder.
Restore shoulder mobility and return to a pain-free life. Book your appointment today for expert orthopedic care.