Frozen shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain and restricted movement. It results from inflammation and stiffness of the joint capsule, the membrane that surrounds the shoulder joint.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain: Mild or severe and can worsen over time
• Stiffness: It may be difficult to move the shoulder, especially through wide ranges of motion
• Muscle weakness: The shoulder muscles may become weak due to disuse

Causes

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. However, factors that may increase the risk include:

• Age: Frozen shoulder more commonly affects people over 40 years of age
• Sex: Women are affected more often than men
• Injuries: Shoulder injuries may increase the risk of frozen shoulder
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, increase the risk of frozen shoulder

Diagnosis

Frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. Your doctor may also request imaging tests, such as X‑rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out other causes of pain.

Treatment

There is no single specific cure for frozen shoulder. However, a range of treatments can help relieve pain and improve movement. Treatments include:

• Rest: Avoid activities that increase pain
• Ice: Apply ice to the shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• Medicines: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain
• Physiotherapy: Exercises can help improve range of motion and strength
• Injections: Corticosteroids or other medicines may be injected into the shoulder joint to relieve pain and inflammation
• Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be required

Prevention

There is no definitive method to prevent frozen shoulder. However, you can reduce the risk by:

• Keeping the shoulder active: Perform stretching and strengthening exercises
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the shoulder joint
• Managing chronic medical conditions: Ensure proper treatment of any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease

Why Choose Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a leading medical centre in Abu Dhabi that provides comprehensive care for frozen shoulder. Our team of skilled physicians has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating this condition. We offer a wide range of treatments, including physiotherapy, injections and surgery, and we focus on prevention by educating patients on how to keep the shoulder joint healthy.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, schedule an appointment with one of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City’s physicians today. We will work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan that suits your needs.

For more information, please call SSMC on 800 7762 or schedule an appointment here.