Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that results in stiffness and pain, as well as the gradual loss of movement, in the shoulder joint. With limited movement, the shoulder feels “stuck,” which is why it is called “frozen shoulder.”

A frozen shoulder results in an excessive number of abnormally large blood vessels within the joint. This enables pro-inflammatory mediators to enter the joint, causing inflammation and scarring. The pain from a frozen shoulder can be worse at night, and result in sleep disruption.

What causes frozen shoulder?

The shoulder joint is located with a “capsule” of connective tissue. In a normal shoulder, these tissues expand and contract as the arm is moved. When frozen shoulder occurs, the capsule thickens and tightens. Scarring also develops within the joint (adhesion) causing pain and restricted movement. The exact causes of this condition are not known but it is more likely to occur after the shoulder joint is kept still for a long time, such as after surgery or if there is an arm fracture or injury requiring the shoulder to remain immobile.

What are my treatment options for frozen shoulder

Most conservative treatments for frozen shoulder focus on pain relief and restoring motion. Anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy can reduce inflammation and help to restore the shoulder’s range of motion. Recovery from frozen shoulder using these conservative methods can take 1-2 years.

For persistent frozen shoulder that is not relieved with conservative treatment, surgery (arthroscopy) may be recommended. However, surgery comes with risks and there can be a long recovery period in which months of intense physical therapy may be required.

When symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery is sometimes recommended. While generally safe, surgery comes with several risks and requires a long and possibly painful recovery period. A diligent post-operative physical therapy regimen of up to three months is essential to achieve full range of motion. Additionally, studies show that 15-30% of those who have surgery experience persistent pain or will require a repeat surgery in the future.

The good news is, there is a new and minimally invasive treatment option for frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder embolization is a performed by the doctors at VISA and has an excellent success rate and shorter, less painful recovery. You can learn more about this procedure by visiting our treatments section.

For more information about frozen shoulder embolization and other treatment options offered by VISA, please visit our treatments page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.