It is a disorder that occurs with pain and limited movement in the shoulder joint. It usually occurs due to thickening and hardening of the shoulder capsule. Trauma, surgery or diseases such as diabetes can trigger it. Frozen shoulder syndrome, It develops in three phases: the painful phase, the freezing phase, and the thawing phase. It is treated with physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery. Limited movement may improve over time.
What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder syndrome?
As the shoulder joint moves, increasing stiffness is felt. As the day goes by, movements such as lifting, rotating and opening the shoulder to the side become more difficult. Frozen shoulder syndrome Pain is felt even at night and at rest during sleep. Pain can spread from the shoulder to the arm. When you lie on your shoulder while sleeping, the pain becomes more pronounced and can cause insomnia. When you try to move, the shoulder feels like it is locked. There is resistance in the shoulder even with simple movements. It becomes difficult to do daily activities such as putting on and taking off clothes, combing your hair, and brushing your teeth.
The arm cannot be fully lifted or extended back. Full range of motion in the shoulder joint is lost. Pain may decrease in later stages of the disease, but stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder continue. The muscles attached to the shoulder joint may become weaker over time. This, combined with limited movement, can lead to further loss of function. Frozen shoulder syndromeIf left untreated, it can last a long time and seriously affect daily life. Symptoms can be alleviated with early diagnosis and physical therapy.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?
Impacts to the shoulder area, fractures or dislocations can cause limited movement in the shoulder joint after shoulder surgeries or surgical interventions in the chest area. Not using the shoulder for a long time can cause the joint capsule to harden. Inactivity after a stroke, paralysis or neurological diseases can cause this. Frozen shoulder syndrome It is more common in diabetic patients. Irregular blood sugar levels can increase inflammation in the joint. It can cause changes in the connective tissues in individuals with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The immune system's attack on the joints can cause inflammation in the shoulder joint capsule. Lupus or scleroderma are diseases that affect the connective tissues. These diseases can cause
Tears in the supporting muscles of the shoulder can cause limited movement. Inflammation in the shoulder joint can lead to frozen shoulder. It is more common in middle-aged and older individuals (40-60 years old). It is more common in women than men. People who have had a heart attack may develop limited shoulder movement. People with coronary artery disease frozen shoulder syndrome The probability of occurrence may increase. Nervous system disorders contribute to the development by affecting muscle control. As a result, it develops due to long-term inactivity, metabolic diseases, trauma. Early diagnosis and physical therapy can prevent movement restriction. If your shoulder pain has been ongoing for a long time, it is important to consult an orthopedic or physical therapist.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome Treated?
Nonsurgical methods are primarily preferred in treatment. Physical therapy is applied to increase shoulder mobility and open the stiff joint. Stretching exercises aim to restore the shoulder's ability to move. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Cortisone injections into the shoulder joint reduce pain. Physical therapy can make the process more effective. Cold compresses can reduce inflammation and swelling, while hot applications can provide relief by increasing blood circulation.
Fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the capsule. This procedure can increase range of motion. Under general anesthesia, the doctor gently moves the shoulder to open the joint. In very advanced cases, the shoulder capsule may need to be surgically loosened. This procedure is performed arthroscopically. Frozen shoulder syndrome Successful results can be achieved in the treatment with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods.
