Introduction

Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. In India, where physical activities and manual labor are prevalent, Frozen Shoulder can significantly impact individuals’ daily lives. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of Frozen Shoulder, including its signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, types, diagnostic tests, treatment options, complications, prevention techniques, and examples of public figures in India who have been diagnosed with this condition.

 

What is Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and restricted in movement. It occurs due to inflammation and thickening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to the formation of adhesions or scar tissue. This restricts the normal gliding motion of the joint, causing pain and limited mobility.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:

• Progressive shoulder pain, often worse at night
• Stiffness and restricted range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday activities
• Pain and difficulty reaching behind the back or lifting the arm
• Gradual onset and progression over months or years

 

Causes and Triggers for Frozen Shoulder:

The exact cause of Frozen Shoulder is not fully understood. However, certain factors and triggers can contribute to its development, such as:

• Immobilization: Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder due to injury, surgery, or medical conditions can increase the risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease have been associated with an increased risk of Frozen Shoulder.
• Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can trigger Frozen Shoulder.
• Trauma or Injury: Shoulder trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to the development of Frozen Shoulder.

 

Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder in India:

Diabetes: The prevalence of diabetes in India puts individuals at a higher risk of developing Frozen Shoulder.

Example: Several public figures in India, including actors and politicians, have been diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder due to diabetes complications.

 

Types of Frozen Shoulder:

• Primary Frozen Shoulder: This is the most common type, with no known underlying cause.
• Secondary Frozen Shoulder: This occurs as a result of an underlying condition or trigger, such as trauma, surgery, or systemic diseases.

 

Diagnostic Tests for Frozen Shoulder:

• Physical Examination: Healthcare professionals assess range of motion, strength, and pain levels in the shoulder joint.
• X-rays: X-rays can rule out other conditions and detect any bony abnormalities.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, helping identify inflammation, adhesions, or other structural issues.
• Arthrography: This involves injecting contrast dye into the shoulder joint to highlight any abnormalities during X-ray or MRI imaging.

 

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder:

• Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises and stretches help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and break up adhesions.
• Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): Under anesthesia, the doctor moves the shoulder joint to break up adhesions and improve mobility.
• Surgery: In rare cases when other treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the adhesions and restore joint mobility.

 

Complications and Prevention of Frozen Shoulder:

Complications of Frozen Shoulder include long-term stiffness and reduced range of motion. To prevent Frozen Shoulder, it is important to:

• Maintain regular shoulder mobility exercises and stretches.
• Seek medical attention promptly if experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness.
• Manage underlying systemic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, to reduce the risk of Frozen Shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause significant pain and restricted mobility in the shoulder joint. Marengo Asia Hospitals across India has established itself as a leading provider of specialized care for patients with Frozen Shoulder. With their expertise, multidisciplinary approach, and advanced treatment options, Marengo Asia Hospitals offer comprehensive solutions to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Frozen Shoulder.

 

A Multidisciplinary Approach:

Marengo Asia Hospitals adopt a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with Frozen Shoulder. Orthopedic specialists, physiotherapists, pain management experts, and rehabilitation therapists collaborate to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies for Frozen Shoulder.

 

Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment:

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in developing appropriate treatment plans for Frozen Shoulder. Marengo Asia Hospitals employ advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthrography to assess the shoulder joint and identify any structural abnormalities or adhesions. These diagnostic tools help healthcare professionals determine the most suitable course of treatment for each patient.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options:

Marengo Asia Hospitals prioritize non-surgical treatment options for Frozen Shoulder, focusing on conservative management to alleviate pain and restore shoulder function. They offer a range of non-invasive interventions, including physical therapy, therapeutic exercises, stretching routines, and manual techniques. These non-surgical approaches aim to improve shoulder mobility, reduce pain, and minimize the need for invasive procedures.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:

Physical therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of Frozen Shoulder. Marengo Asia Hospitals provide specialized physical therapy programs that focus on improving range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder joint. Skilled physiotherapists guide patients through targeted exercises, stretching techniques, and hands-on therapies to gradually restore shoulder function and reduce pain.

 

Medication and Pain Management:

Marengo hospitals offer various medication options to manage pain and inflammation associated with Frozen Shoulder. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. In addition, pain management experts utilize minimally invasive techniques, such as corticosteroid injections, to target localized pain and inflammation.

 

Advanced Interventional Procedures:

In cases where conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, Marengo Asia Hospitals offer advanced interventional procedures. These may include hydrodilatation, a technique involving the injection of fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and break up adhesions. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is another option, where the joint is manipulated to improve mobility while the patient is under anesthesia.

 

Surgical Interventions:

In rare instances where non-surgical treatments prove ineffective, surgical intervention may be required. Marengo Asia Hospitals have experienced orthopedic surgeons skilled in shoulder arthroscopy and open surgical procedures. These surgeries aim to release adhesions, remove scar tissue, and restore normal shoulder movement. Surgeons collaborate with the rehabilitation team to facilitate a smooth recovery and rehabilitation process.

 

Postoperative Rehabilitation:

Marengo Asia Hospitals prioritize postoperative rehabilitation to optimize the outcome of surgical interventions for Frozen Shoulder. Rehabilitation therapists work closely with patients to provide tailored exercise programs, manual therapy, and assistive devices to enhance shoulder mobility, rebuild strength, and promote functional independence. This comprehensive approach ensures a successful recovery and long-term shoulder health.

 

Patient Education and Support:

Marengo Asia Hospitals recognize the importance of patient education and support throughout the treatment journey. They provide comprehensive information about Frozen Shoulder, its causes, treatment options, and self-care measures. By empowering patients with knowledge and support, Marengo Asia Hospitals enable individuals to actively participate in their recovery process and make informed decisions about their shoulder health.

 

Marengo Asia Hospitals stands as a pillar of excellence in the treatment of Frozen Shoulder across India. Through their multidisciplinary approach, accurate diagnosis, non-surgical treatment options, advanced interventional procedures, surgical interventions when necessary, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, Marengo Asia Hospitals ensure comprehensive care for patients with Frozen Shoulder.