Frozen Shoulder: Know The  Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment From The Best Orthopaedic Surgeon In Nairobi

Kimani, a 52-year-old teacher, first noticed the stiffness in his right shoulder when he struggled to reach for a book on a high shelf. Initially, he dismissed it as a minor strain. But over the next few weeks, the pain worsened. Simple tasks like dressing, combing his hair, or even sleeping on his side became excruciating. Frustrated and concerned, Kimani visited a doctor, only to hear the unexpected diagnosis — frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. According to Dr Ankit Dave, one of the best doctors for sports injury in Nairobi, it develops gradually, worsening over time before eventually improving. Though the exact cause remains unknown in many cases, there are clear risk factors and treatment options that can help manage and alleviate the condition.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, thickens and tightens, restricting movement. While the exact trigger is unclear, several factors can contribute to its development:

1. Injury or Surgery: If the shoulder remains immobilized for an extended period due to surgery, fracture, or injury, it increases the risk of frozen shoulder.
2. Diabetes: Studies show that people with diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, though the link is not fully understood.
3. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders may contribute to joint inflammation, leading to stiffness.
4. Aging: Frozen shoulder is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, with women being more affected than men.
5. Cardiovascular and Neurological Disorders: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease may increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder due to prolonged inactivity, warns Dr Ankit Dave, well-known as one of the best doctors for sports injury in Nairobi.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses in three stages, each lasting several months:

1. Freezing Stage:

• Gradual onset of pain, worsening over time.
• Shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted.
• Pain is often worse at night, making sleep difficult.

1. Frozen Stage:

• Pain may decrease slightly, but stiffness remains.
• The range of motion is significantly reduced, limiting daily activities.
• Muscle weakness may develop due to reduced use of the shoulder.

1. Thawing Stage:

• Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility.
• Stiffness begins to decrease, and normal function slowly returns.
• The overall recovery process can take from several months to up to three years.

Treatment Options

While frozen shoulder can be painful and frustrating, several treatment options can help speed up recovery and restore movement, explains Dr Ankit Dave — one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Nairobi.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the most effective treatment for frozen shoulder. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises help reduce stiffness and gradually restore movement. Common exercises include:

● Pendulum swings to loosen the joint.

● Cross-body stretches to improve flexibility.

● Shoulder rotations to regain strength and motion.

2. Pain Management

To relieve pain and inflammation, doctors may recommend:

● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

● Corticosteroid injections to reduce severe inflammation.

● Hot and cold therapy to soothe the shoulder muscles.

3. Hydrodilation

This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder capsule to stretch and loosen the tissue. It is often used when physical therapy alone is not enough.

4. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)

In severe cases, doctors may manipulate the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia. This helps break up scar tissue and improve mobility.

5. Surgery

If conservative treatments fail, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. Surgeons remove scar tissue and adhesions to restore movement. However, surgery is usually the last resort.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While not all cases can be prevented, the following steps can reduce the risk:

● Keep moving: Avoid prolonged shoulder immobility after injury or surgery.

● Stretch regularly: Gentle stretching exercises maintain flexibility.

● Manage underlying conditions: Properly managing diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other chronic illnesses can lower the risk.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is a painful and limiting condition, but with proper treatment and patience, recovery is possible. Just like Kimani, who dedicated himself to physical therapy and pain management, most individuals regain their full range of motion over time. If you experience persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, seeking early medical intervention from the best orthopaedic surgeons in Nairobi can prevent the condition from worsening and improve the chances of a faster recovery.