Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):
Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can significantly impair shoulder movement and function. Here’s a detailed overview:

Causes of Frozen Shoulder:

  • Inflammation and Thickening: The shoulder capsule, a connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed and thickened.
  • Scar Tissue Formation: Fibrous bands of scar tissue may develop within the shoulder capsule, restricting movement.
  • Risk Factors: Certain factors such as age (40-60 years old), gender (more common in women), diabetes, thyroid disorders, and prolonged immobility due to injury or surgery can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder:

  • Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Movement becomes increasingly limited.
  • Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness persists, making simple activities challenging.
  • Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility and function over time.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:

  • Pain: Persistent, dull aching pain in the shoulder, particularly during movement.
  • Stiffness: Progressive loss of shoulder mobility, affecting daily activities like reaching or dressing.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty raising the arm overhead or behind the back.
  • Night Pain: Discomfort may worsen at night, affecting sleep quality.

Dr. Prashant Meshram's Approach to Treatment:

Dr. Meshram employs a multidisciplinary approach to manage frozen shoulder, focusing on symptom relief and restoring shoulder function:

  • Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises to improve shoulder flexibility and reduce stiffness.
  • Pain Management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation.
  • Joint Mobilization Techniques: Manual therapy techniques to gently mobilize the shoulder joint and improve movement.
  • Hydrodilatation: In some cases, Dr. Meshram may recommend hydrodilatation—a procedure involving the injection of sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
  • Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, arthroscopic surgery may be considered to release scar tissue and adhesions within the shoulder joint.

Rehabilitation and Home Care:

  • Gradual Exercises: Continued physical therapy and home exercises to maintain shoulder mobility and prevent recurrence.
  • Patient Education: Educating patients about self-care techniques and ergonomic principles to prevent shoulder stiffness and pain.

Long-Term Outlook:

  • Recovery Timeline: Recovery from frozen shoulder can be slow and may take several months to years, depending on the severity and individual response to treatment.
  • Preventive Measures: Early intervention, maintaining shoulder mobility through regular stretching, and managing underlying conditions (like diabetes) can help prevent recurrence.

Dr. Prashant Meshram's Expertise:

With specialized training in shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder, Dr. Meshram provides compassionate care to help patients regain shoulder function and improve quality of life.

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