Frozen Shoulder in Singapore | Frozen Shoulder Specialist

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Overview

What is Frozen Shoulder?
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a progressive loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement.

The condition develops gradually and typically progresses through three stages: freezing (painful), frozen (stiffness), and thawing (recovery). Frozen shoulder can significantly limit daily activities and may take months or even years to resolve fully.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development:

Inflammation of the shoulder joint: Inflammatory conditions can lead to thickening and tightening of the joint capsule.
Immobility due to injury or surger: Prolonged lack of movement, such as after a fracture, rotator cuff injury, or surgery, increases the risk.
Systemic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Parkinson’s disease have been linked to a higher incidence of frozen shoulder.
Autoimmune response: The body’s immune system may mistakenly cause inflammation and fibrosis within the shoulder capsule.

Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms develop gradually and progress through three distinct stages:

Lasting 6 weeks to 9 months, this phase is marked by:

Increasing pain, especially at night
Gradual loss of range of motion
Discomfort with even minor shoulder movements

Lasting 4 to 12 months, characterized by:

Severe restriction in shoulder movement
Less pain at rest but continued stiffness
Difficulty with daily activities like dressing and reaching overhead

Lasting 6 months to 2 years, featuring:

Gradual improvement in range of motion
Decreasing pain
Slow return to normal shoulder function

If you think you may have frozen shoulder, please reach out to us today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.

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How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder is based on a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging tests:

Medical history and physical exam: The shoulder specialist will assess pain levels and movement restrictions by performing passive and active range-of-motion tests.
X-rays: This will be done to rule out other conditions like arthritis or fractures.
MRI or ultrasound: This may be used in some cases to examine soft tissues and rule out rotator cuff tears.

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder:

Age and Gender:More common in people aged 40 to 60, with women at a higher risk.
Diabetes: Diabetic individuals are more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
Shoulder Immobilization: Extended periods of inactivity following an injury, stroke, or surgery.
Other Health Conditions: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiovascular disease have been associated with increased risk.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring motion, and preventing long-term stiffness.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Non-Surgical Treatments

Physioherapy – Stretching exercises help improve flexibility and restore movement.
Medications – NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections – Reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Hydrodilatation – Injecting saline into the joint capsule to improve mobility.
Hot and Cold Therapy – Heat relaxes muscles, while ice reduces inflammation.

Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?

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

Early shoulder movement after an injury or surgery to prevent stiffness
Regular stretching exercises to maintain flexibility
Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders
Avoiding prolonged shoulder immobility by staying active with gentle movements

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FAQs on Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can take anywhere from several months to three years to fully resolve. The duration varies based on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapy and early intervention can help shorten recovery time.

Yes, but recovery can take years without treatment. Physiotherapy and pain management strategies can significantly speed up recovery and prevent long-term mobility issues. Severe cases may require medical intervention to restore movement.

Yes, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder, and their symptoms tend to be more severe and prolonged. High blood sugar levels may contribute to thickening of the shoulder capsule, leading to stiffness.

In most cases, once frozen shoulder resolves, it does not return in the same shoulder. However, some individuals, particularly those with diabetes or thyroid conditions, may develop it in the opposite shoulder at some point.

Yes, but exercises should be gentle and controlled. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises help maintain mobility. However, forceful movements or excessive strain should be avoided to prevent worsening pain and stiffness.

If shoulder pain and stiffness persist for more than a few weeks, or if it significantly affects daily activities, a doctor should be consulted. Early treatment improves outcomes and prevents severe motion restriction.

Frozen Shoulder

What is Frozen Shoulder?

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Freezing Stage (Painful Stage)

Frozen Stage (Stiffness Stage)

Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage)

If you think you may have frozen shoulder, please reach out to us today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?

FAQs on Frozen Shoulder

How long does it take for frozen shoulder to heal?

Can frozen shoulder go away without treatment?

Is frozen shoulder linked to diabetes?

Does frozen shoulder come back after treatment?

Can I exercise with frozen shoulder?

When should I see a doctor for frozen shoulder?