Thawing Frozen Shoulders: What You Should Know
Dealing with a stiff, sore, or seemingly “frozen” shoulder can be frustrating and painful. A segment by WGEM, titled “Stiff, Sore and Stuck: Thawing Frozen Shoulders,” brings clarity to this condition.
The segment featured our very own Randy S. Schwartzberg, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, as the expert voice on diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, thereby restricting movement. This tightening leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind your back. It often develops gradually and can last for months or even years without proper treatment.
Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder most often affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, and it occurs more frequently in women than men. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or previous shoulder injuries, increase the risk. It can also develop after shoulder surgery or a period of immobility, when the joint is not being used regularly.
How Do I Know if I Have Frozen Shoulder?
Common signs of frozen shoulder include:
- Pain that worsens at night or when you move your arm.
- Gradual loss of mobility, making it harder to lift or rotate the arm.
- A sensation of stiffness, as if your shoulder is “stuck.”
- Difficulty performing daily activities such as dressing, grooming, or reaching overhead.
If these symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s important to seek an orthopaedic evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
What Are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?
The process of adhesive capsulitis, or “frozen shoulder,” can be broken down into three phases, each with distinct symptoms and expectations for patients:
- Freezing Stage – This is the onset phase, marked by increasing shoulder pain and a gradual loss of motion. Daily activities become more difficult as the joint stiffens.
- Frozen Stage – At this point, pain often decreases, but stiffness remains. The shoulder may feel locked, making it hard to lift, rotate, or reach.
- Thawing Stage – Slowly, mobility starts to return. With time and treatment, range of motion improves, and daily function gradually returns.
At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, our approach to treating frozen shoulder is designed to help you return to the activities you love. Whether you’re in the freezing, frozen, or thawing stage, trust that our team is ready to support you through every step of your recovery journey.
