Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

Frozen shoulder, sometimes called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes painful, stiff, and difficult to move. It can significantly impact daily activities, making even simple tasks like lifting your arm or reaching behind your back difficult. If you struggle with shoulder pain and stiffness, you may be experiencing a frozen shoulder. Fortunately, effective frozen shoulder treatment in Dubai is available to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about frozen shoulder, including its causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatments provided by leading orthopedic doctors in Dubai.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder happens when the connective tissues around your shoulder joint become thick and tight, making it hard and painful to move your shoulder. The condition often progresses gradually and can last months or even years without proper treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention by an experienced orthopedic doctor can significantly affect recovery time and outcome.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Shoulder pain gradually increases, and mobility becomes increasingly limited.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce, but stiffness and restricted motion become more pronounced.
3. Thawing Stage: Shoulder mobility slowly improves, and regular movement begins to return.

Frozen Shoulder Causes

Understanding the causes of frozen shoulder can help in early detection and treatment. While the exact cause is not always clear, several factors are commonly associated with its development:

• Prolonged Immobilization: After surgery, injury, or due to other shoulder conditions, keeping the shoulder immobile for an extended period can trigger a frozen shoulder.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder, although the exact reason behind this link remains unclear.
• Thyroid Disorders: People with conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are at a greater risk of developing frozen shoulder.
• Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder usually occurs in people aged 40 to 60 and is more common in women than men.
• Other Health Conditions: Heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and certain autoimmune diseases may also contribute.

Recognizing these frozen shoulder causes can help you take preventative measures or seek early treatment if you are at risk.

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Identifying frozen shoulder symptoms early can make treatment more effective. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Persistent shoulder pain accompanied by stiffness is the hallmark symptom.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving your shoulder, especially in activities like reaching overhead or behind your back.
• Pain at Night: Many patients report that shoulder pain worsens at night, disturbing sleep.
• Gradual Onset: Symptoms often start mildly and worsen over time, sometimes without an apparent injury or trigger.

If you notice these frozen shoulder symptoms, Seeing an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible is essential. Getting treatment early can help stop the condition from getting worse.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

The good news is that a frozen shoulder is highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Frozen shoulder treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring motion, and speeding up recovery. At Lifeline Clinic, we offer customized treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms and overall health.

Non-Surgical Frozen Shoulder Treatment

1. Physical Therapy:

Following a structured physical therapy plan is key to helping improve shoulder movement and ease stiffness. Exercises focus on stretching, strengthening, and gradually increasing shoulder movement.

2. Medications:

Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can help control discomfort, making it easier to participate in physical therapy.

3. Steroid Injections:

In some instances, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making rehabilitation more effective.

4. Hydrodilatation:

This treatment involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve its movement gently. It is a minimally invasive option performed by expert orthopedic doctors.

Surgical Frozen Shoulder Treatment

If non-surgical treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be suggested as the following option to improve symptoms.

• Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia: The doctor gently moves your shoulder to loosen and break up the tight tissues, causing stiffness.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that removes scar tissue and adhesions around the shoulder joint, helping to restore movement and flexibility.

Choosing the proper frozen shoulder treatment depends on your condition’s stage and severity. Consulting the best orthopedic doctor in Dubai ensures you receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Why See an Orthopedic Doctor in Dubai?

When dealing with a frozen shoulder, seeking care from a qualified orthopedic specialist is crucial. An orthopedic doctor offers advanced diagnostic tools, personalized care plans, and access to the latest treatments. At Lifeline Clinic, our team is committed to helping you recover quickly and return to an active lifestyle.

At our clinic, we have some of the top orthopedic specialists in Dubai who are experienced in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder. Whether you need conservative care, injections, or surgical intervention, we provide comprehensive solutions to help you heal.

How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder

Although it’s not always possible to prevent frozen shoulder, particularly in cases related to medical conditions, these tips can help lower your risk:

• Keep your shoulder moving after any surgery or injury.
• Engage in regular stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes effectively.
• Seek medical advice early if you notice shoulder stiffness or pain.

Being proactive about shoulder health can save you from long-term discomfort and disability.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be painful and difficult to cope with, but it is manageable and can be effectively treated with the appropriate treatment. Understanding frozen shoulder causes and recognizing frozen shoulder symptoms early is key to faster recovery. Whether you require non-surgical treatment or surgery, frozen shoulder care in Dubai provides great results when managed by experienced specialists.

At Lifeline Clinic, our team of highly experienced orthopedic doctors in Dubai is ready to help you regain mobility and live pain-free. Trust the best orthopedic doctor in Dubai to provide a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain and stiffness, don’t delay. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward recovery with Lifeline Clinic.