Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which gradually limits the range of motion. The shoulder’s connective tissue becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. The condition typically develops in three stages: freezing, where pain increases and range of motion decreases; frozen, where pain may decrease but stiffness remains; and thawing, where mobility gradually improves. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it often
occurs after an injury or surgery that leads to immobility, and it is more common in people with diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases.
Treatment for frozen shoulder often involves a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. The goal is to gradually restore range of motion through specific stretching and strengthening exercises. In more severe cases, where physical therapy doesn’t provide relief, surgical interventions like shoulder manipulation or arthroscopic surgery may be considered. While the recovery process can take months or even years, with appropriate care, most people
regain significant movement and experience a reduction in pain over time.
