Symptoms
If you are dealing with limited mobility in your shoulder, it may be the result of adhesive capsulitis, also known as Frozen Shoulder Syndrome. This condition causes the shoulder capsule, which encircles the shoulder joint, to become swollen and stiff and can affect one or both shoulders. Frozen Shoulder is especially common in women between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age or those with pre-existing diabetes.
Common symptoms include a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint with reduced range of motion. The pain usually increases at night as activities during the day begin to take their toll on the joint.
Patients with this condition usually go through three stages: The first stage, the freezing stage, can be described as a worsening of pain and stiffness, and the limiting of shoulder movement. This is the most painful stage. In the next stage, the frozen stage, the pain does not worsen, but more mobility is lost. In the final thawing stage, mobility slowly returns and the pain lessens, although it may occasionally return, especially at night. This process tends to be a cycle which may make it difficult to determine if the condition requires treatment.
How To Treat It
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder may linger for years, but doctors can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and preserve the mobility and flexibility of the shoulder with several treatment options. The first course of therapy is generally physical therapy, which aims to reduce inflammation and strengthen the joint. Physical therapy is often used in conjunction with Corticosteriod or anti-inflammatory injections to maximize pain relief and for restoration of shoulder mobility.
For patients with severe symptoms, or those who have not gotten adequate relief from conservative therapy, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest shoulder arthroscopy. This outpatient procedure uses a small tube attached to a camera, which is inserted into the shoulder joint. Once the specific area of injury is identified, scar tissue is removed from around the joint. The removal of this scar tissue allows the joint to move more freely inside the shoulder socket as well as provides relief from the pain associated with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome.
Ignoring the symptoms of frozen should could lead to permanent stiffness so don’t wait to make an appointment to see which is the right treatment for you!
High Mountain Orthopedics specializes in bone, joint and muscle injuries, including shoulder injuries. Dr. William Matarese and Dr. Tony Wanich have over 25 years of combined experienced treating orthopedic and sports injuries. Our practice uses a multi-disciplinary approach that includes physical therapy and activity modification. If surgery is necessary, our team utilizes the latest advancements in Minimally Invasive and Arthroscopic procedures to expedite the healing process. If you are suffering from a bone, joint or muscle injury – contact our offices today! We have locations in Wayne, Paramus and Englewood, NJ.