Frozen shoulder, also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is when the shoulder joint stiffens, aches, and becomes hard to move. It evolves gradually, gets progressively worse, and can severely limit daily activities such as dressing, reaching over one’s head, or sleeping on the side of the affected shoulder.
The better news? With early treatment, frozen shoulder can be cured quite possibly without surgery.
At Dr. Ashish Suryawanshi’s clinic in Pune, we treat patients with frozen shoulder on a regular basis with a combination of newer, non-surgical methods. This blog tells you all about it.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder happens when the connective tissue capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and contracts, limiting movement.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
- Injury or surgery: Immobilization after fractures or rotator cuff tears
- Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar can impact the joint capsule
- Thyroid disorders
- Stroke or Parkinson’s disease: Resulting from prolonged immobility
- Age: Most prevalent in individuals aged 40–60 years
- Gender: Females are ever so slightly more susceptible
- Sometimes, frozen shoulder occurs without a definite cause particularly in middle-aged adults.
3 Phases of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses in three consecutive stages, each with a different timeline and symptoms:
1. Freezing Stage (Painful Phase)
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain
- Progressive stiffness
- Difficulty with movement, particularly overhead and behind the back
- Durations: 6 weeks to 6 months
2. Frozen Stage (Phase of Stiffness)
- Pain diminishes slightly, but stiffness becomes worse
- It is difficult to perform daily activities: dressing, combing hair, reaching shelf
- Shoulder movement is very restricted
- Durations: 4 to 12 months
3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage)
- Improvement in movement and flexibility is slow
- Gradual return to normal activity resumes
- Pain gradually decreases
- Durations: 6 months to 2 years
Signs You Cannot Ignore
- Aching or dull pain in the outer shoulder or upper arm
- Inability to sleep on the affected side
- Decreased range of motion — particularly when lifting or rotating the arm
- Making routine activities such as dressing, reaching into cabinets
- If such symptoms persist for longer than a few weeks, see a shoulder specialist.
New Non-Surgical Solutions
Most frozen shoulder cases are treatable without the need for surgery, particularly if done early. At our clinic, Dr. Ashish Suryawanshi, we have a systematic and tailored treatment protocol:
1. Medicines
- Anti-inflammatory pills for pain relief and swelling
- Muscle relaxants, if necessary
2. Physiotherapy
- The mainstay of frozen shoulder treatment
- Guided stretching therapy to regain range of motion
- Thawing phase strength training
We have close coordination with professional physiotherapists for safe and effective recovery.
3. Intra-Articular Injections
- Reducing inflammation using corticosteroid injections
- Hydrodilatation is occasionally employed in a few instances (injecting saline to stretch the capsule of the joint)
4. Shoulder Mobilization Techniques
- Carried out by experienced orthopedic experts
- Assists in enhancing joint flexibility when conventional physiotherapy is not helpful
Surgical Option: When Is It Necessary?
Surgery is not typically necessary but might be undertaken if:
- Non-surgical interventions fail after 6–12 months
- The stiffness is severe and impacting quality of life
- There’s related shoulder disease (e.g., rotator cuff tear)
In those circumstances, arthroscopic capsular release (keyhole surgery) is done to open up the contracted capsule.
Yet, recovery happens without operation in the majority of patients, particularly under supervised orthopedic care.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain activity following shoulder injuries or operations
- Avoid immobilization for extended periods
- Daily stretching for shoulders, particularly if diabetic
- Adhere to recommended physiotherapy following trauma or fracture
Why Choose Dr. Ashish Suryawanshi?
- Shoulder joint preservation and arthroscopy specialist
- Prioritizes non-surgical treatments first
- Provides customized rehab protocols
- Has high patient satisfaction and long-term relief
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can hurt and get you frustrated but with correct diagnosis and early intervention, you can regain mobility and resume normal life.
If you or your loved one is experiencing recurrent shoulder stiffness or pain, seek the help of Dr. Ashish Suryawanshi, Pune’s go-to joint specialist, for proper diagnosis and full-care plan.
