Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder pain is a common issue that can arise from problems within the shoulder joint itself or from the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It can also be caused by conditions in other areas of the body, like the neck or chest, known as referred pain.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a specific condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which gradually worsens over time. The shoulder capsule, which is the connective tissue surrounding the joint, thickens and tightens, restricting movement.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
  • Dull ache that gradually builds or sudden, sharp pain
  • Warmth or redness
  • Neck, arm, or back pain
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sensation when moving the arm
  • Muscle stiffness and weakness
  • Limited range of motion
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:
  • Freezing stage: Gradual increase in pain with limited ability to move the shoulder; lasts 2 to 9 months.
  • Frozen stage: Pain may lessen, but the shoulder remains stiff, making daily tasks difficult; lasts 4 to 12 months.
  • Thawing stage: Shoulder motion slowly improves, with a return to normal or near-normal strength and motion; lasts 5 to 24 months.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
  • Rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis
  • Arthritis
  • Bone spurs
  • Dislocation or separation
  • Fractured shoulder bone
  • Overuse or injury of tendons
  • Poor posture
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The causes of frozen shoulder aren't completely understood, but it is more likely to occur after a period of immobility due to surgery, injury, or other conditions. Risk factors include:
  • Age over 40 and being female
  • Immobility or reduced mobility of the shoulder
  • Systemic diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease