Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, or a recent shoulder injury, may be at risk for frozen shoulder. A condition of stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion, frozen shoulder generally affects middle-aged and older adults. Learn the causes, the treatments available, as well as how you can prevent frozen shoulder from happening to you.

Frozen shoulder is caused by a lack of normal activity level in the shoulder. Whether it’s due to chronic pain, an injury, chronic disease, or occurs spontaneously, frozen shoulder will develop if you do not keep your shoulder joints active.

“When tissues surrounding the joint tighten, moving your shoulder can become difficult and painful,” says Dr. Steven Thaxter, orthopaedic specialist at Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center. “However, simple exercises and stretching can help prevent it from happening.”

Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center recommends applying heat to the affected area and the appropriate use of anti-inflammatory medications, which will relieve some of the pain. Cortisone injections will reduce inflammation in the joint, while undergoing physical therapy will increase your range of motion. In some cases manipulation under anesthesia or surgery will be necessary to release a frozen shoulder.

“Diagnosed through an X-ray image, frozen shoulder is easily treatable,” says Dr. Thaxter. “Anytime you suffer an injury or undergo a procedure, it is important to stick to an appropriate exercise program.”

To learn more about conditions of the shoulder, visit Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center online at the patient education page, or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 666-6080.