Fact Checked
Frozen shoulder generally affects the shoulder joint. It causes pain and rigidity that gradually becomes severe and just disappear. This condition last for a year to three years.
Symptoms of a frozen shoulder
Freezing stage
- It last for 6-9 months
- Sometimes severe pain develops in the shoulder when moving the area
- Eventually pain becomes severe at night
- Limited movement of the shoulder
Frozen stage
- Pain subsides but stiffness becomes severe
- Difficulty moving the shoulders and difficulty performing regular activities.
- This condition last for 4-12 months
Thawing stage
- Range of movement starts returning to normal
- It can last from 6 months to 2 years
Causes
- Severe inflammation on the joint of the shoulder due to immobility usually recovering from an injury.
- Wearing a sling or a cast
- Healing after a surgery
- Limited range of motion due to sedentary way of living
- Arthritis
- Hormonal imbalance especially in women
- Recovering from a cervical disc disease or stroke and affects the nerves on the shoulder
Treatment
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the discomfort and the swelling of the area.
- Wrap ice pack in a towel before applying on the area for at least 10-20 minutes to reduce the spasms and the pain. Another alternative, frozen bag of vegetable such as corn or peas can also be used. Avoid applying ice on the left shoulder if having a heart condition.
- Prescribed steroid hormone injection on the affected shoulder to lessen the swelling, the pain and improve range of movement.
- Warm up the shoulder by applying heat on the area using a heat pack for at least 10-15 minutes to reduce the stiffness. Place a wet damp cloth between the skin and the heat pack to prevent burns. Another alternative is taking a warm shower or soaking in bathtub that is filled with warm water mixed with a cup of Epsom salt. After warming up, take a deep breath.
- Consult a physical therapist for some rehabilitation exercises and stretches to restore the range of motion, flexibility and strength of the damaged shoulder.
FACT CHECK
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/frozen-shoulder/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-frozen-shoulder#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684