Скачать или смотреть Exercise for frozen shoulder/ stiff shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder becomes painful, stiff, and difficult to move. Over time, the shoulder joint “freezes,” meaning its range of motion is greatly reduced.

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What happens in frozen shoulder?

The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder:
• The capsule becomes inflamed and thickened
• Scar tissue (adhesions) forms
• The space inside the joint shrinks, limiting movement

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Symptoms

Frozen shoulder usually develops gradually and follows three stages:

1. Freezing stage (painful stage)
• Increasing shoulder pain (often worse at night)
• Gradual loss of movement
• Lasts 6 weeks to 9 months

2. Frozen stage (stiff stage)
• Pain may reduce
• Shoulder becomes very stiff
• Daily activities (combing hair, reaching overhead) are difficult
• Lasts 4 to 12 months

3. Thawing stage (recovery stage)
• Movement slowly improves
• Pain continues to decrease
• Lasts 6 months to 2 years

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Causes and risk factors

The exact cause is often unknown, but risk is higher if you:
• Are 40–60 years old
• Have diabetes (very common association)
• Have thyroid disorders
• Had shoulder injury, surgery, or long immobilization
• Had a stroke or heart disease

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Diagnosis
• Based mainly on medical history and physical exam
• X-rays are usually normal (done to rule out arthritis)
• MRI may show thickened capsule if needed

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Treatment

Most cases improve without surgery, but recovery can be slow.

Non-surgical treatment
• Pain relief: NSAIDs, heat/ice
• Physiotherapy: stretching and range-of-motion exercises (key treatment)
• Steroid injections: reduce inflammation and pain, especially early
• Activity modification (avoid painful extremes)

Surgical options (rare)

Used if severe stiffness persists after months of therapy:
• Manipulation under anesthesia
• Arthroscopic capsular release