Is your shoulder frozen too? Let's talk about 'Frozen Shoulder' (Adhesive Capsulitis)!

Have you ever felt like your shoulder suddenly became frozen, unable to lift your arm, or having difficulty doing simple things like combing your hair or changing clothes? Do you wake up at night with a sharp pain in your shoulder, unable to turn to one side, or unable to move? This is what we often call a 'Frozen Shoulder'. Although it can be a bit annoying, it is nothing to be afraid of. Let's understand this in detail.

Simply put, what is 'Frozen Shoulder'?

The other medical name for 'Frozen Shoulder' is 'Adhesive Capsulitis' . This is when the tissues around your shoulder joint become thick, stiff, and restrict movement.

Imagine, our shoulder joint is a combination of three bones . That is, the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder bone ( scapula ), and the collarbone (clavicle). All of these bones are held together and protected by a strong, sac-like covering. This is called the shoulder capsule.

When a 'frozen shoulder' develops, this capsule gradually thickens, becomes stiff, and sticky. It's like a wet cloth that sticks together. It also reduces the amount of synovial fluid that helps the joint to glide. This makes it very difficult to move the shoulder. You reduce the use of the shoulder because of the pain. The longer you don't use it, the tighter the capsule becomes. Eventually, the shoulder feels "frozen" in one place.

What are the symptoms and stages of 'Frozen Shoulder'?

The main symptoms are pain and stiffness in the shoulder. This makes it very difficult, sometimes impossible, to move the shoulder. This pain usually feels like a dull, aching pain. For some people, the pain is worse at night, making it very difficult to sleep.

This condition usually goes through three stages. Let's see what those three stages are.

Why does 'Frozen Shoulder' occur? What are the risk factors ?

There is no specific reason why this happens to some people, but some groups are at higher risk of developing it.

• Age and gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition, and it is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Shoulder immobilization: If you are unable to move your shoulder for a long time for some reason (for example, after a broken arm in a cast, after a stroke , or after surgery), this risk increases.
• Other medical conditions: There is also a link between this and certain medical conditions. People with diabetes have a 10% - 20% increased risk of developing 'Frozen Shoulder'. In addition, people with the following medical conditions are also at increased risk:
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disease
• Parkinson 's disease

How does the doctor recognize this?

There is no specific test for 'Frozen Shoulder'. The first thing your doctor will do is examine you physically.

This physical examination can usually diagnose the condition. However, an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI scan may be performed to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a torn rotator cuff.

What are the treatments for 'Frozen Shoulder'?

The good news is that most cases of frozen shoulder will resolve on their own over time, even if left untreated. However, it can take time, so it is important to get treatment to control the pain and get your shoulder back to normal.

Simple painkillers, such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling. If these are not enough, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.

If symptoms are severe or do not improve over time, your doctor may recommend other treatments.

• Corticosteroid injection: An injection into the shoulder joint can quickly reduce pain and increase mobility.
• Joint distension: In this procedure, your doctor injects sterile water into your shoulder capsule, causing it to expand. This helps your shoulder move more easily.
• Physical therapy: Exercises performed under the guidance of a specialist can help restore the shoulder to its normal function, but this is more effective at certain stages of the disease.
• Surgery: This is not necessary in most cases. However, if no other treatment is effective, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery, which uses a small camera and instruments to remove any stuck tissue inside the shoulder.

Ways to relieve pain at home

• Hot/cold compresses: Applying a hot or cold water bottle can help reduce pain and swelling. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can also alternate between the two.
• TENS therapy (`Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation`): This involves sending a low-voltage electrical current through the skin using a small device, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. However, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this type of device.

Simple exercises that are good for the shoulders

Gentle shoulder exercises can help relieve this condition and even prevent it from developing. But remember, it's best to consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting these exercises. Don't do them so hard that they cause pain.

Warm up your shoulders before exercising. The best way is to take a hot bath.

• Pendulum stretch: Stand straight and let the painful arm hang freely down. With the other hand, lean against a table. Now rotate the painful arm in a small circle 10 times to one side and 10 times to the other side.
• Cross-body reach: With your good hand, grab the elbow of the arm that has pain. Now pull the arm that has pain across your chest to the other side. Hold for 15-20 seconds until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Do this 10-20 times a day.
• Towel stretch: Hold a towel about 3 feet long from behind. Hold it with your good arm up and your sore arm down. Now pull the towel up with your good arm. Hold for 10 seconds until you feel a stretch in the shoulder of your sore arm.

How to sleep with 'Frozen Shoulder'?

The biggest problem with this disease is that the pain worsens at night. These tips will help you.

• Use the right pillow: Choose a pillow that keeps your head, neck, and spine in a straight position.
• Use extra pillows: Sleep on the side that is not painful. Place a pillow between your arms. This will help keep your shoulders aligned.
• Sleep warm: Apply a hot water bottle to your shoulders before bed. This will help reduce pain and help you sleep better.