Expert Solutions by Dr. A. Mohan Krishna
If your shoulder feels incredibly stiff and painful to the point where you can barely move it, you might be experiencing Frozen Shoulder. Medically known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition happens when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint becomes thick, tight, and inflamed. ๐งฃ๐
The exact cause isn’t always known, but the shoulder “freezes” because the joint capsule loses its stretch. You are at a higher risk if:
Diabetes or Thyroid Issues: These conditions are strongly linked to frozen shoulder. ๐ฉบ
Immobilization: If youโve kept your arm still for a long time due to surgery, a fracture, or a stroke. ๐ฉน
Age & Gender: It most often affects women between ages 40 and 60. ๐
Frozen shoulder doesn’t happen overnight. It typically moves through three slow phases:
Freezing Stage: Pain starts to increase, and your shoulder begins to lose its range of motion. (Lasts 6 to 9 months). โ๏ธ๐ซ
Frozen Stage: The pain may actually improve, but the stiffness is at its peak. Daily tasks like reaching for a seatbelt become nearly impossible. (Lasts 4 to 12 months). ๐ง๐
Thawing Stage: Shoulder motion slowly begins to return to normal. (Takes 6 months to 2 years). โ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
The goal is to manage your pain and “melt” the stiffness to get you moving again. Over 90% of patients recover with non-surgical treatments! ๐โ
Physical Therapy: This is the most important treatment. Specific stretches help restore motion. ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ
Anti-Inflammatory Medication: To reduce pain and swelling. ๐
Steroid Injections: Cortisone injected into the joint can “calm” the inflammation during the freezing stage. ๐
Hydrodilatation: Gently injecting fluid into the joint to stretch the capsule from the inside. ๐ง
When is Surgery Needed? If symptoms don’t improve after months of therapy, Dr. Mohan Krishna may suggest Shoulder Arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure to “release” the tight capsule) or Manipulation Under Anesthesia to break up the scar tissue while you sleep. ๐ฅ๐ ๏ธ
Frozen shoulder can last for years if left untreated. Get a personalized recovery plan from Dr. A. Mohan Krishna at Bones and Joints Clinic.
๐ Visit us at: APOLLO HOSPITALS, JUBILLE HILLS
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย MOHANS BONES & JOINTS CLINIC, MANIKONDA
๐ Book an Appointment: 9398664291
๐ Website: www.bonesandjointsclinic.com