Frozen Shoulder – Stiff Shoulder

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition of the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. The connective tissue around the joint thickens, thus contributing to the loss of movement. The symptoms of a stiff shoulder typically begin gradually and worsen over time. They can lead to a complete loss of function of the shoulder joint.

A frozen shoulder is favored by diabetes mellitus or thyroid diseases.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

A stiff shoulder typically develops over time and in three stages:

• Freezing Phase: Every shoulder movement causes pain. The freedom of movement is significantly restricted. The freezing phase can last 6 weeks to 9 months.
• Frozen Phase: The pain often decreases during the frozen phase; however, the stiffness remains. Daily activities such as getting dressed or driving a car may be restricted. The frozen phase can last 4 to 6 months.
• Thawing Phase: The mobility of the shoulder improves without further pain. This phase can last 6 months to 2 years.

Symptoms of Stiff Shoulder

The symptoms of a stiff shoulder occur gradually, worsen over time, and often disappear on their own within a few years.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Dull pain, typically more pronounced when moving the arm
• Pain in the outer shoulder area and on the upper arm
• Restricted freedom of movement – patients are often unable to put their hand behind their back and touch the shoulder blade
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Stiffness in the shoulder joint, accompanied by pain

Diagnosis of Stiff Shoulder

Often, a stiff shoulder can be diagnosed with a clinical examination by examining the range of motion and the pain areas. If another condition is suspected, an X-ray or MRI examination can be requested. This will rule out possible bone fractures, arthritis, or a rotator cuff tear.

Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

The frozen shoulder usually heals on its own in about 2-4 years without treatment. However, it remains to be seen whether or to what extent a movement deficit remains.

Daily stretching exercises can be helpful to restore mobility in the shoulder and relieve pain. However, weight-bearing or strengthening exercises should be avoided during the “Frozen Phase” as they can worsen the problem. Strengthening an already stiff and painful shoulder can delay recovery.

If no relief of symptoms occurs over time, surgical intervention may be considered. The operation is performed using minimally invasive, arthroscopic technique. In this procedure, the scar tissue is broken through and the shrunken joint capsule is partially removed.

Aftercare

After the surgical intervention, mobilizing physiotherapy is carried out immediately.

Are you looking for an experienced shoulder specialist in Vienna? Do not hesitate to contact me. My practice in the Wiener Privatklinik is centrally located in the 9th district of Vienna.

Dr. Mark Schurz