Shoulder pain is frustrating enough, but when your shoulder also becomes increasingly stiff, simple activities can become surprisingly difficult.
Reaching for something on a high shelf, putting on a shirt, brushing your hair, or reaching behind your back may become uncomfortable or difficult. One possible cause is frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by significant stiffness and restricted shoulder movement.
Understanding frozen shoulder can help you recognize the symptoms and know when professional evaluation may be appropriate.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed and tighten, restricting movement.
The condition can develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly.
In some cases, shoulder pain comes first and stiffness develops afterward. Over time, the restriction in movement can become the most noticeable symptom.
What Are the Symptoms?
Frozen shoulder commonly involves two major symptoms: pain and stiffness.
You may notice difficulty with:
- Raising your arm
- Reaching overhead
- Reaching behind your back
- Putting on or removing clothing
- Sleeping comfortably on the affected side
- Performing everyday household activities
The symptoms can develop gradually and may interfere with both work and personal activities.
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?
Sometimes the exact cause is not clear.
Frozen shoulder can develop following periods when the shoulder has been difficult to move, including after certain injuries or procedures. Other factors may also be associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
Because shoulder stiffness can have multiple causes, it is important not to assume that every stiff shoulder is frozen shoulder.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may review your symptoms and medical history and examine how your shoulder moves.
The examination can help determine whether your range of motion is limited and whether another shoulder condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
In some cases, imaging may be used to evaluate other possible causes of shoulder pain.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Medication when appropriate
- Pain management techniques
- Injections in selected cases
- Additional treatment when conservative care is not sufficient
Improving shoulder movement often requires patience because recovery can take time.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Consider professional evaluation if shoulder stiffness or pain continues, interferes with daily activities, or progressively limits your ability to move your arm.
Early evaluation can help determine what may be causing the symptoms and whether treatment is appropriate.
Don’t Let Shoulder Stiffness Control Your Routine
A stiff shoulder can affect much more than your ability to lift your arm. It can interfere with dressing, sleeping, working, exercising, and completing everyday tasks.
At CWOPS, Center for Wellness Orthopedic, Pain & Spine, our team evaluates and treats a variety of orthopedic and pain conditions affecting the shoulder and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
If persistent shoulder pain or stiffness is limiting your movement, contact CWOPS at (702) 476-9700 to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options.
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