What Are The Main Causes of Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)?
Adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as a frozen shoulder, is a debilitating condition that occurs when the tissue in the shoulder joint thickens and tightens up, causing extreme pain and discomfort. In most cases, individuals do not know they have this condition until their range of motion is significantly limited and they experience pain. This condition has three individual stages. Several factors come into play when developing a frozen shoulder, like age, gender, activity, and underlying conditions. Understanding what adhesive capsulitis is and its main causes is essential while looking for prevention and treatment.
What is Adhesive Capsulitis?
Frozen Shoulder is a condition where the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder (the glenohumeral joint) stiffens due to the connective tissue thickening and tightening around the area. Normally, this condition develops over time, starting with mild pain and progressing to extreme pain and a significant loss of mobility in the shoulder, almost making it immobile. There are three phases: the freezing phase, the frozen phase, and the thawing phase. Knowing what phase you are at with a frozen shoulder can help you find the best treatment.
- Freezing Phase: In this stage, you will notice a reduction in shoulder range of motion and gradual aching of the shoulder.
- Frozen Phase: During the second stage, inflammation declines and is replaced by stiffness as the scar tissues form around the shoulder joint.
- Thawing Phase: In the third and final stage, inflammation continues to decrease, and the scar tissues are slowly resolving, resulting in gradual improvements in the range of motion in the shoulder.
Detecting adhesive capsulitis and intervening is crucial when experiencing this condition. The symptoms of a frozen shoulder can worsen over time, especially if left untreated. Seek professional help as soon as you become aware of the symptoms, such as shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. By seeking professional help early on, you may have a better outcome and faster recovery than those who wait.
Main Causes of Frozen Shoulder
- Gender and Age: Adhesive capsulitis is more prominent in people over 40 years of age, more specifically in women. Menopause hormonal changes and imbalances are linked to the cause of a frozen shoulder. This is because, during menopause, women experience a decrease in muscle tone due to falling estrogen levels. To create a balance, it is important to focus on muscle toning by incorporating daily exercises.
- Diabetes: One of the biggest risk factors associated with a frozen shoulder is diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder for a few reasons. Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the shoulder joint tissues, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and weakness. Another reason diabetics are predisposed to frozen shoulder is because glucose molecules attach to the lining of the shoulder, causing stiffness and pain in the area.
- Shoulder Trauma and Surgeries: After an injury occurs, you may find yourself using your shoulder less. This can be problematic since a frozen shoulder often happens when the shoulder is not being used regularly. Like with injuries, after surgery, you may want to withhold from using your shoulder, which is why doctors are known to advocate for shoulder movement after surgery. Without keeping your shoulder mobile, you are creating a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- Inactivity: When the shoulder is not being moved regularly, the connective tissues surrounding the joint become thicker, leading to the discomfort and pain associated with adhesive capsulitis. Long periods of inactivity, especially after surgery, may cause an increase in inflammation and tightness.
Prevention and Treatments For Adhesive Capsulitis
Preventative Tips
- Exercising: Regular exercise is one of the main ways to prevent a frozen shoulder and promote shoulder health. Engaging in specific exercises that target the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles will promote flexibility and strengthen the muscles. Stretching exercises can help improve the range of motion of the shoulder joint, whereas exercises can help build up strength in the shoulder muscles.
- Taking Breaks: While one of the main ways of preventing a frozen shoulder is by regularly engaging the shoulder muscles, overuse can cause injury. Be sure to take regular breaks when doing exercises or stretches to prevent injury and overuse.
- Proper Posture: Practicing proper posture and good ergonomics is essential for shoulder health and preventing adhesive capsulitis. Poor posture often leads to muscle imbalances and puts extra strain on the shoulder joint. To maintain good posture, be sure to sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, avoid slouching, keep your head aligned with your spine, and use ergonomic chairs and desks, especially if you have an office job.
Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a less invasive option that can significantly help reduce the pain and limited range of motion when treating a frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will create a personalized stretch and exercise routine while guiding and working with you when treating a frozen shoulder.
- Corticosteroid Injections: A corticosteroid injection is a minimally invasive and quick procedure. While the injection provides temporary relief, it can improve shoulder mobility over time if followed through.
- Joint Distension: Joint distension is when fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to help stretch the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. This improves comfort and range of motion in patients.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): A MUA is a surgical procedure where the surgeon manipulates the shoulder joint to break up adhesions while the patient is under anesthesia. This is typically followed by physical therapy.
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
Are you experiencing extreme shoulder pain and discomfort, along with a decreased range of motion? You may be in the first stage of adhesive capsulitis. Seek professional help for the prevention and treatment of a frozen shoulder to improve your quality of life.
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is a convenient option for new patients looking for high-quality care. Contact JOI today to start your online new patient appointment.