Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and significant difficulty moving the arm. Patients seeking frozen shoulder treatment in Colorado Springs, CO, may experience symptoms that gradually worsen and interfere with reaching, lifting, dressing, sleeping, and other everyday activities.
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight, restricting normal shoulder movement. The condition typically progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages, with symptoms and limitations changing throughout recovery. Frozen shoulder may occur without an obvious cause or may be associated with factors such as prolonged shoulder immobilization, diabetes, or previous shoulder injury or surgery.
Dr. John C. Redfern, MD, provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in the Colorado Springs area experiencing frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions. Diagnosis generally involves a detailed evaluation of shoulder pain and both active and passive range of motion. Depending on the severity and stage of the condition, treatment may include medication, physical therapy, injections, activity modification, or other interventions designed to reduce pain and restore shoulder mobility.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which you experience pain and stiffness in your shoulder. The symptoms appear slowly, worsen gradually and usually take one to three years to resolve on their own.
What are the Causes of Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder joint is comprised of bones, tendons, and ligaments that are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Gradual thickening and tightening of this capsule surrounding the shoulder joint restrict shoulder movement causing a frozen shoulder. It is unclear why this happens, but it is sometimes associated with diabetes or a long period of immobilization following an arm fracture or shoulder surgery.
Women and those over the age of 40 have a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Frozen shoulder is diagnosed with a physical exam during which your doctor will evaluate your shoulder movements and assess for pain. You will be asked to perform certain arm movements to check the active range of motion and your doctor will maneuver your arm in different directions to check the passive range of motion.
Sometimes, your doctor may inject an anesthetic to numb your shoulder while evaluating range of motion.
What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?
The signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually in three stages with each stage lasting for several months.
- The first stage is the freezing stage during which pain occurs with any shoulder movement and the range of motion of the shoulder gradually becomes limited. Pain may worsen at night disrupting sleep.
- Next is the frozen stage where the pain subsides but your shoulder stiffens up and cannot function properly. The final stage is the thawing stage during which shoulder movement begins to gradually improve.
Imaging studies such as an X-ray or MRI may be ordered to view the shoulder joint and rule out other problems.
What is the Treatment for Frozen Shoulder?
The various treatments used for frozen shoulder include:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Ice packs or heat application
- Physical therapy exercises
- Acupuncture
- Steroid injections
- Injections to stretch the joint capsule
- Manipulation of the shoulder after administering anesthesia
If you do not get relief from the above methods, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions within the shoulder. This is however rarely necessary.
Why Choose Dr. John C. Redfern for Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Colorado Springs?
Frozen shoulder can make simple movements difficult and may interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and daily activities. Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, experiencing shoulder stiffness, pain, and restricted range of motion associated with frozen shoulder.
An accurate diagnosis is important because several shoulder conditions can cause pain and limited movement. A comprehensive examination can help distinguish adhesive capsulitis from other causes of shoulder stiffness and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment for frozen shoulder is generally individualized according to the severity of symptoms and stage of the condition. Nonsurgical options may include pain management, physical therapy, injections, and other conservative treatments. In cases where symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, additional procedures may be considered.
Patients in Colorado Springs can discuss their symptoms, shoulder mobility, previous injuries or procedures, and treatment goals with Dr. Redfern to develop an appropriate plan of care.
Frozen Shoulder FAQs
Schedule a Frozen Shoulder Consultation in Colorado Springs
Persistent shoulder stiffness and pain can make everyday activities increasingly difficult. If you are having trouble moving your shoulder, reaching overhead, getting dressed, sleeping comfortably, or performing activities you normally enjoy, an orthopaedic evaluation can help identify the cause.
Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, including evaluation and treatment for frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of adhesive capsulitis that are affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation to discuss your condition and available treatment options.
Contact Dr. John C. Redfern in Colorado Springs to take the next step toward reducing shoulder pain and improving mobility.
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