What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition where the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, severely limiting movement and causing stiffness. The pain from frozen shoulder can make it hard to do daily activities like washing hair or reaching…interfering with your life.
Frozen shoulder develops in stages (freezing, frozen, thawing), often after injury or immobilization, and it typically resolves within one to two years with treatments like physical therapy.
Symptoms
* Pain: Often starts gradually, can worsen at night, and be sharp.
* Stiffness & Loss of Motion: Difficulty moving the arm in all directions, especially rotating outward or lifting.
* Gradual Worsening: Pain increases, then stiffness becomes the main issue, followed by slow thawing.
Causes:
* Health Conditions: Higher risk for people with diabetes, thyroid issues, heart disease, or Parkinson's.
* Age: More common in women over 40.
Treatment & Recovery
* Physical Therapy: Essential for regaining motion through stretching and exercises.
* Medication: Pain relievers (NSAIDs).
* Injections: Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
* Patience: A slow process, but most people regain most movement within 1-2 years. If not, surgery may be necessary.
What to Do
* Keep Moving: Gentle movement within pain limits helps.
* See an Orthopedic Specialist: Consult our Dr. Jason Vourazeris in El Paso, who specializes in conditions of the shoulder, if pain and stiffness are significant or not improving.
915-249-4000
