Introduction:

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "frozen shoulder," is a painful and restrictive condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is characterized by the gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness, leading to a significant reduction in the range of motion. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and management strategies for shoulder pain in adhesive capsulitis.

Causes:

The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not always clear. However, several factors can contribute to its development, including:

• Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions within the shoulder joint can trigger the formation of adhesions, which limit movement.
• Immobilization: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder due to injury, surgery, or other medical conditions can increase the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.
• Age and Gender: Adhesive capsulitis is more common in individuals over the age of 40, and it tends to affect women more than men.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders have been associated with an increased risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of adhesive capsulitis is shoulder pain, which can range from mild to severe. Other common symptoms include:

• Stiffness: Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness, often making it challenging to perform daily activities.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Progressive loss of the ability to move the shoulder in various directions.
• Pain at Night: Increased pain and discomfort at night, often interfering with sleep.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing adhesive capsulitis typically involves:

• Medical History: The doctor will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms and any underlying conditions.
• Physical Examination: A physical examination will assess shoulder mobility and identify areas of tenderness.
• Imaging: X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to rule out other shoulder conditions and assess the extent of joint inflammation and damage.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for shoulder pain in adhesive capsulitis aims to relieve pain, improve shoulder mobility, and address underlying causes. Options include:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises and stretching can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Heat and Ice: Applying heat or ice to the affected shoulder can help alleviate pain and stiffness.
• Home Exercises: Performing prescribed exercises at home can aid in maintaining and improving shoulder mobility.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint may provide relief.
• Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch it, potentially improving mobility.
• Manipulation Under Anesthesia: In severe cases, a doctor may perform a procedure to manipulate the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia to break up adhesions.

Management Strategies:

Managing shoulder pain in adhesive capsulitis involves:

• Compliance: Following the prescribed treatment plan, including physical therapy exercises, is essential for recovery.
• Pain Management: Managing pain with medications or non-pharmacological methods as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Gradual Progress: Expect that improvement may be slow, and shoulder mobility may not return overnight.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Making accommodations for limited shoulder mobility in daily activities.

Conclusion:

Adhesive capsulitis can cause significant shoulder pain and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing this condition effectively. By understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and management strategies discussed in this article, individuals with shoulder pain in adhesive capsulitis can work with healthcare professionals to alleviate pain and gradually restore shoulder function.

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