Numerous middle-aged to senior Americans suffer from a common shoulder ailment called adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. More common in women than in men, a frozen shoulder can be very painful and limiting to full movement of the shoulder joint. If you have a frozen shoulder, will you need surgery? Read more about this orthopedic condition and its treatment options–including surgery–in this helpful blog.
The Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis affects the entire shoulder joint–bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. In general, the structure becomes thick, stiff, and ultimately, immobile. The condition progresses slowly over time and causes substantial pain with any attempt at shoulder movement.
One of the main symptoms of a frozen shoulder is difficulty moving the arm in certain directions. For example, you may struggle to lift your arm above your head or to reach behind your back. This limitation in movement makes even simple tasks, such as getting dressed or combing your hair, very challenging.
Other common symptoms include stiffness and pain, which worsens at night or during periods of immobility. For instance, if you sit for a long time or when you sleep at night, the shoulder will become even more immovable and painful. In some cases, the pain can become severe enough to disrupt daily activities at work and at home and your sleep patterns as well.
A frozen shoulder may develop over a period of weeks to months following an injury or illness in which the shoulder joint is not used much. This can be due to a broken arm, stroke, or surgical procedure which requires the affected arm to be immobilized. It also may occur with conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or thyroid dysfunction.
.However, the exact cause of frozen shoulder is still unknown, but it is believed that inflammation and adhesions in the joint capsule are contributing factors. That said, If you are experiencing symptoms of adhesive capsulitis, get a complete orthopedic evaluation with a skilled orthopedic surgeon.
The orthopedic doctor will perform tests to determine if you have a frozen shoulder or another orthopedic condition. You also will have imaging, such as X-rays. Together, you and your physician will develop a treatment plan tailored to your desired therapeutic goals, health, lifestyle, age, and more.
Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Thankfully, the frozen shoulder has many treatment choices. Here are some general options which your provider will fine tune to your particular needs.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often the first and best treatment choice for adhesive capsulitis. The goals of PT are regaining free movement within the shoulder joint, reducing pain and inflammation, and regaining the ability to perform motions such as reaching and lifting.
A program of physical therapy can take up to six months or more. The program may include the use of interventions such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and ice therapy for painful inflammation. TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, can be helpful, too.
Medications
Over-the-counter ibuprofen may relieve some of the pain and stiffness associated with a frozen shoulder. Additionally, many orthopedic providers try steroid injections into the shoulder joint to reduce painful inflammation. Medications work best when combined with an individualized program of physical therapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is sometimes the only way to get lasting relief from the pain, inflammation, stiffness, and life impact adhesive capsulitis has. Surgery can improve a patient’s ability to do day-to-day activities, sleep, and overall comfort level.
If your frozen shoulder does not recover with less invasive treatments within a year to a year and a half, your orthopedic physician may advise you to have one of these two surgeries:
- Shoulder manipulation in which the surgeon moves the joint through a full range of motion while you are under anesthesia
- Shoulder arthroscopy, a small incision procedure in which the orthopedic specialist removes scar tissue and releases tight ligaments and other connective tissues in the joint (also done with the benefit of anesthesia)
Surgery for a frozen shoulder is typically a last-resort option and is only recommended when other treatments have failed. It is important to discuss all options with your orthopedic physician before making a decision on what would prove best for you.
Plus, if you do need surgery on your shoulder, physical therapy will be a part of your recovery process. Persistence and patience with your PT will help you regain normal movement more quickly and effectively.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder in North Dakota
At The Bone & Joint Center, our team of highly skilled orthopedic specialists understand how frustrating and painful a frozen shoulder can be. That’s why we work with each of our patients individually to determine the most effective course of treatment. Sometimes, that means surgery.
So, if you are having symptoms of adhesive capsulitis, please do not wait. You will get better more completely and quickly if you act now.
Please contact us for a helpful consultation with one of our shoulder experts. Call (701) 946-7400 or request a visit here. We also have onsite physical and occupational therapy services available. We look forward to hearing from you.
