Frozen Shoulder – Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatments – Dr Ramkinkar Jha

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, gradually limiting movement. It is more common in adults between 40–60 years and is often associated with diabetes, thyroid issues, or prolonged immobility after an injury.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Diabetes: Increases the risk significantly
• Shoulder Injury or Surgery: Immobilization can trigger stiffness
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are linked
• Other Medical Conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or heart disease may also increase risk

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Difficulty lifting the arm or reaching overhead
• Night pain making it hard to sleep
• Restricted shoulder movements in all directions

Treatment Options

• Medications: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce discomfort
• Physiotherapy: Stretching and mobility exercises are the backbone of recovery
• Steroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation in stubborn cases
• Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure where the tight capsule is released to restore motion

Recovery & Results

• Recovery usually occurs in stages – freezing (painful), frozen (stiff), and thawing (gradual improvement)
• With treatment, most patients recover within 6–12 months
• Arthroscopic surgery shows a very high success rate, restoring normal function and reducing long-term pain