Frozen Shoulder

Causes

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. However, several factors can increase your risk:

• Age: People between 40 and 60 are more susceptible.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes increases your risk.
• Immobilization: Keeping your shoulder still for extended periods, such as after surgery or an arm sling, can contribute to frozen shoulder.
• Trauma: Injury to the shoulder can also be a risk factor.

Diagnosis

Doctors typically diagnose frozen shoulder based on a physical examination and your medical history. X-rays or other imaging tests might be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Treatment

There’s no cure for frozen shoulder, but treatments can help manage pain and improve mobility:

• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. In some cases, stronger medications might be prescribed.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to improve flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder.
• Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the shoulder joint can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In rare cases, if conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery might be considered to manipulate the capsule and restore movement.

Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent frozen shoulder, maintaining good shoulder mobility through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk.