Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

It is a condition that causes limited movement in the shoulder joint. It is characterized by pain, stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder syndrome, occurs due to inflammation or fluid loss in the shoulder joint. Over time, the tissues in the shoulder joint become compressed and difficult to heal. Early treatment can relieve symptoms, but the treatment process can be long.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder syndrome?

The most common symptom is severe and sharp pain in the shoulder. The pain is felt especially on the outer side of the shoulder. This pain is usually more pronounced at night and can keep the person from sleeping. The most obvious feature is the loss of movement in the shoulder. Initially, the movement of the shoulder is limited. However, over time, the person cannot even perform the movements that they normally can. In particular, there is difficulty in lifting the arm up or stretching it behind the head. The range of motion of the shoulder gradually narrows. The person cannot rotate their shoulder normally and has difficulty lifting their arm. This can lead to serious difficulties in daily tasks. Pain and limited movement in the shoulder can affect the person physically and psychologically. Constant pain and limited movement in the shoulder can cause restlessness and fatigue in the person.

Frozen shoulder syndrome As the shoulder progresses, the muscles in the shoulder may weaken. As the shoulder's mobility decreases, the muscles may become weaker because they are not working. This can create more difficulties. In some cases, swelling and inflammation may occur in the shoulder joint. This condition causes pain in the tissues and becomes even more difficult. As the syndrome progresses, the person's daily life activities are negatively affected. This reduces both the physical and social quality of life. The symptoms of the syndrome can change over time and usually progress in three stages: the pain stage, the freezing stage and the thawing stage. Each stage may require different treatment approaches. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are important in the treatment of this condition.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?

Physical injuries, traumas or falls to the shoulder area are the main causes of the syndrome. Such traumas can cause inflammation in the shoulder joint and limit mobility. Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, such as being in a cast after an accident or immobilization after surgery, causes the connective tissue to harden. As a result of immobilization, the joint capsule thickens and compresses, which frozen shoulder syndrome can cause. Diabetes can increase the inflammatory process in the body and cause hardening of the connective tissues. This can accelerate the inflammation and freezing process in the shoulder joint. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing the syndrome. It is usually more common in individuals over the age of 40, and women are more affected than men.

As age progresses, the flexibility in the joint may decrease and this may trigger the syndrome. Existing joint inflammations or painful conditions in the shoulder may cause the syndrome to develop. These painful conditions may trigger the syndrome due to the shoulder not being used or being held in the wrong positions. Some individuals may be more genetically prone. It has been observed that the risk increases in people with similar conditions in their family history. Some cardiovascular diseases, especially in people who have had a heart attack, may cause the shoulder joint to freeze. These diseases may negatively affect the blood flow in the joint and cause joint stiffness. Frozen shoulder syndrome The causes can often interact together. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and treatment strategy are very important in the treatment process.

What are the Treatment Methods for Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?

Physical therapy is one of the most common and effective methods of treatment. Exercises performed by a physical therapist can help reduce stiffness and limited movement in the joint. Mobility in the shoulder joint can be increased with stretching and strengthening exercises. Medications can be used to manage pain and inflammation in the early stages. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and swelling.

In more advanced cases, corticosteroid injections may also be used. These injections can help relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation. Hot or cold compresses can be used to relieve pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Heat helps relax the muscles, while cold helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

In some cases, frozen shoulder syndrome Manipulation methods can be used in treatment. This involves performing joint movements under anesthesia to break up the stiffness of the shoulder joint. Manipulation can help reduce stiffness and restore joint mobility. When physical therapy and medication are not enough, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery aims to remove hard tissue from the joint and increase mobility. Surgery is usually considered a last resort. Aquatic therapy offers the opportunity to exercise without straining the joint.

It helps relieve pain while strengthening muscles. Exercises in water can be especially effective in sensitive areas like the shoulder. Massage therapy and ice applications can also be helpful to relax the muscles in the shoulder and reduce pain. These treatments can help relax the muscles while also relieving pain. Frozen shoulder syndrome treatment should be determined individually. It should be applied under the supervision of a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make the treatment process more successful.