If you’re active online, you may have seen certain female celebrities taking to social media to share their struggles with frozen shoulder. The condition, which can be disruptive and debilitating, is more common among women going through perimenopause and menopause.
“We’ve long known that women over the age of 40 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder,” says Nickolas Linkous, MD, a sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. “As more people share their experiences, it offers an opportunity to learn about symptoms, prevention and risk factors associated with this condition.”
Here, Dr. Linkous answers common frozen shoulder questions and discusses why women are more vulnerable to the condition.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can lead to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Symptoms typically come on gradually and worsen over time. It can take one to three years for the condition to resolve.
Frozen should encompasses three stages:
- Stage 1, freezing: People develop worsening pain and loss of range of motion. This stage typically lasts between six weeks and nine months.
- Stage 2, frozen: A person may experience less pain, but stiffness persists. Daily activities may become difficult over the four to six months this stage can last.
- Stage 3, thawing: Shoulder motion improves gradually. Return to normal strength and motion often takes between six months and two years.
What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?
People with frozen shoulder often experience:
- Dull, achy pain located over the outer shoulder or upper arm. The condition often happens in the non-dominant arm.
- Discomfort that’s typically worst in the early stages of the condition and that’s often triggered by arm movement. Some people report a worsening of symptoms at night, leading to poor sleep.
Why are women over 40 more susceptible?
Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Experts say a decline in estrogen levels may lead to an increased risk of women developing the condition. Estrogen is known to protect cartilage, stimulate bone growth and help regulate inflammation. As levels drop, women can become more vulnerable to developing inflammation that can lead to frozen shoulder.
Who else is at risk for frozen shoulder?
Other groups susceptible to developing frozen shoulder include:
- Those ages 40 and older, with women at greater risk than men
- People who must keep their shoulder immobilized for reasons such as rotator cuff injury, broken arm, stroke or recovery from a shoulder surgery
- Individuals with certain systemic diseases, including diabetes, overactive or underactive thyroid, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson’s disease
Is frozen shoulder preventable?
Experts don’t fully understand what causes some cases of frozen shoulder, so it can be difficult to prevent. However, if you’ve experienced a shoulder injury, broken arm or stroke, your healthcare team can recommend exercises that may help prevent frozen shoulder.
How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?
Your physician will perform an exam that includes asking you to move your arm in certain ways. They’ll also take a detailed history. This alone may be enough to diagnose frozen shoulder. They may also order imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions.
What treatment options are available?
Frozen shoulder typically resolves without surgery, but it may take up to three years. Treatment often is focused on pain management and restoration of motion and strength through physical therapy.
Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Prescription or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce pain and swelling
- Steroid injections directly into your shoulder joint
- Hydrodilatation, a procedure that involves gently injecting a large volume of sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to expand and stretch the shoulder joint capsule
- Physical therapy to restore motion and strength
People with frozen shoulder rarely need surgery. If you do, your doctor may recommend a shoulder arthroscopy, a procedure that releases that tight tissue and re-expands the joint. After surgery, you would work with physical therapists to maintain that restored motion.
Experience Expert Shoulder Care
ThedaCare Orthopedic Care offers a range of treatments for frozen shoulder. Whether you choose to see a non-operative sports medicine physician or sports medicine surgeon, they can recommend treatment options that best meet your needs.
“Frozen shoulder is often a painful and frustrating diagnosis,” Dr. Linkous says. “We’re here to help guide you toward relief.”
Need shoulder care?
Explore your options through ThedaCare Orthopedic Care.
