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.