Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Frozen Shoulder

Expert Shoulder Surgeons in Orange County, CA

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Limited motion is an early symptom of a frozen shoulder (also known as Adhesive Capsulitis), which is a general term denoting all causes of motion loss in the shoulder. It affects more women than men, with onset occurring usually between ages 40 and 65. Approximately 10% to 20% of diabetics may be at risk of developing the condition, as well as those who have suffered trauma or overuse injuries. Patients with hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, clinical depression or Parkinson’s disease may also be predisposed to developing a frozen shoulder.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The causes of frozen shoulder are unknown, although it most likely involves an underlying inflammatory process. The capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and contracts, leaving less space for the upper arm bone (humerus) to move. Frozen shoulder can also develop after a prolonged immobilization because of trauma or surgery to the joint. Usually only one shoulder is affected, although in about one-third of cases, motion may be limited in both arms.

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

If you’re having trouble lifting your arm above your head, reaching across your body or behind your back, you may have a problem with the range of motion in your shoulder. Frozen shoulder develops slowly, and in three stages:

  • Stage One: Pain increases with movement and is often worse at night. There is a progressive loss of motion with increasing pain. This stage lasts approximately 2 to 9 months.
  • Stage Two: Pain begins to diminish, and moving the arm is more comfortable. However, the range of motion is now much more limited, as much as 50 percent less than in the other arm. This stage may last 4 to 12 months.
  • Stage Three: The condition begins to resolve. Most patients experience a gradual restoration of motion over the next 12 to 42 months; surgery may be required to restore motion for some patients.

Frozen Shoulder Treatments

Treatment is aimed at relieving the discomfort and restoring motion and function to the shoulder. Nonoperative treatments include muscle relaxers and medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain; heat or ice therapies; corticosteroid injections; and a program of physical therapy, often combined with home exercises and other therapies, to stretch and help restore motion and function.

Surgery is an option, but only if there is no improvement after several months. Arthroscopic surgery can successfully release and repair the shoulder, but it must be mobile.

Related Providers
*Please note that all physicians are listed in random order and search results are refreshed every hour to comply with Stark Law.
Related Testimonials
  • Petrie Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Everyone was helpful and thorough with explanations and information as well as friendly and caring." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Overall good communication and the availability of staff after hours." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Everyone made you feel like your care was the most important job they had" Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Everyone was very concerned about my comfort and were very professional." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Dr. Petrie always took his time to explain in detail what was causing my pain/injury and also what the surgery would entail." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Everyone was kind, informative and professional. Excellent care!" Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Dr. Petrie was thorough and explained the surgery and recovery. I'm 5 1/2 months post surgery and my shoulder feels 99% normal. Better than I'd ever imagined!" Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "After care communication with staff was excellent. They were very friendly and effective with my concerns and requests." Provider: David S Gazzaniga MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Scheduler's diligence and assistance in assembling and/or arranging for all medical clearances for surgery. Empathetic kindness of everyone on the team." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "The nurses very knowledgeable and the surgery went well. We received prompt answers to questions using the HealthLoop app." Provider: David S Gazzaniga MD
  • Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "I feel that both Dr. Petrie and Karri are extremely knowledgeable and skilled. I also appreciated that they were very patient and answered all my questions. But mostly, I'm just really happy so far with the results of my surgery." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
  • Petrie Shoulder Scope With Reconstruction "Dr. P is the greatest! The health loop helps patient keep in touch and Julie replies to all questions regularly. It's wonderful knowing I can contact her any time." Provider: Russell S Petrie MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
Related Videos
Related Locations