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Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Pune
Get expert frozen shoulder treatment in Pune with orthopaedic specialists providing mobility restoration, physiotherapy, and pain relief.
Overview
Frozen Shoulder happens when the tough tissue around your shoulder joint (the capsule) thickens, tightens, and swells, restricting motion. This capsule normally allows your shoulder to move freely, but when it tightens and thickens, movement becomes restricted and painful.
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade. A network of tissues called the shoulder capsule surrounds this joint. In the frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed, thickens, and develops scar tissue, reducing the space for movement.
Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
The defining symptoms of frozen shoulder include:
- Persistent pain: Usually dull or aching in nature
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving your shoulder in all directions
- Pain with movement: Discomfort that increases when you try to use your shoulder
- Night pain: Discomfort that often worsens at night, potentially disrupting sleep
- Gradual onset: Symptoms typically develop and worsen slowly over time
- Pain location: Usually felt over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm
Many people first notice difficulty with everyday movements like reaching behind their back (to zip up a dress or tuck in a shirt), reaching overhead, or reaching across their body.
Frozen Shoulder Stages
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct stages, each with its own characteristics:
Freezing Stage (6 weeks to 9 months)
- Pain gradually increases and may be severe
- Shoulder becomes progressively stiffer and more difficult to move
- Pain often worsens at night and with movement
- Range of motion begins to become limited
- Daily activities become increasingly difficult
- This is generally the most painful stage
Frozen Stage (2 to 12 months)
- Overall pain may begin to diminish, especially at rest
- Significant stiffness and restricted movement remain
- Shoulder feels “stuck” or “frozen”
- Reaching, rotating, and extending the arm remain difficult
- Using the arm for everyday tasks is challengingThe capsule continues to thicken and tighten
Thawing Stage (6 months to 2 years)
- Range of motion slowly begins to improve
- Pain continues to lessen
- Daily activities become easier to perform
- Movement gradually returns, though sometimes not completely
- Strength begins to return as you’re able to use your shoulder more
- Recovery accelerates over time
Complete recovery typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, with many people experiencing significant improvement within 12-18 months. However, some people may have some permanent loss of motion, though it’s usually minor enough not to affect daily activities.
Frozen Shoulder Causes
The exact causes of frozen shoulder aren’t fully understood, which can be frustrating for those suffering from the condition. Researchers believe it occurs when:
- Inflammation: The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed, leading to pain and restriction
- Capsular thickening: The connective tissue around the joint thickens and contracts
- Scar tissue buildup: Stiff bands of scar tissue, called adhesions, grow inside the joint.
- Decreased synovial fluid: The lubricating fluid in the joint decreases, making movement more difficult
In many cases, frozen shoulder develops with no obvious trigger, which is called primary or idiopathic frozen shoulder. Sometimes it develops after an injury or surgery that causes immobilization of the shoulder, known as secondary frozen shoulder.
Risk Factors : Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?
Several factors can raise your chances of developing this condition:
Age: People aged 40–60 are most likely to develop it.
Gender: Women are affected more frequently than men
Reduced mobility or immobility: Keeping your shoulder still for long periods due to:
- Recovery from shoulder surgery or injury
- Broken arm or recovery from stroke
- Wearing a sling or cast without appropriate exercises
- Extended bed rest or limited activity
Medical conditions:
- 1–2 out of every 10 people with diabetes experience frozen shoulders.
- Thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Cardiovascular disease or heart surgery
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dupuytren’s contracture (a hand condition)
- Autoimmune diseases
If you have diabetes, you may experience more severe symptoms that take longer to resolve.
Frozen Shoulder Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history: Discussion of your symptoms, when they started, and how they’ve changed
Physical examination:
- The provider will observe your posture and any signs of discomfort
- Your doctor will ask you to move your arm as far as possible to test flexibility.
- They’ll assess passive range of motion (how far they can move your arm for you)
- Both active and passive motion are limited in frozen shoulder
Imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions:
- X-rays: Normal in frozen shoulder but help rule out arthritis or fractures
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Can show thickening of the capsule and rule out rotator cuff tears
- Ultrasound: May help evaluate soft tissues around the shoulder
Types of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is either primary (no clear cause) or secondary (linked to injury or illness).
A primary or idiopathic frozen shoulder occurs when there is no identifiable external cause or existing condition. This type may be associated with systemic illnesses like diabetes or thyroid disease.
Secondary frozen shoulder happens in the presence of an identifiable traumatic (like a fracture, dislocation, or soft tissue injury) or non-traumatic (like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or calcific tendinitis) shoulder issue.
Treatment Frozen Shoulder
Treatment aims to control pain and restore motion and strength. Conservative management is usually tried first and is successful in up to 90% of patients.
Conservative (Non-surgical) Treatments
Medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen/Tylenol)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Prescription pain medications for severe cases
- Oral corticosteroids for short-term pain relief
Physical Therapy (cornerstone of treatment):
- Gentle stretching to improve range of motion
- Specific exercises tailored to your condition
- Multiple short sessions (5-10 minutes) throughout the day
- Progressive program that changes as your shoulder improves
- Home exercise program to complement in-office therapy
Hot and Cold Therapy:
- Use heat therapy (like a warm shower or heating pad) before workouts to loosen stiff muscles.
- Ice after exercise to reduce pain and inflammation
- Alternating heat and cold can provide relief
Steroid Injections:
- Corticosteroid injected directly into the shoulder joint
- Can provide significant short-term pain relief
- Most effective during the early painful (freezing) stage
- May allow for more productive physical therapy
- Effects can last up to 12 weeks
Hydrodilatation (distension arthrography):
- Doctors inject sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the tightened capsule.
- Helps stretch the capsule and break up adhesions
- Usually performed under imaging guidance
- May be combined with steroids for added benefit
Surgical and Other Procedures:
If basic treatments (like therapy or medication) fail to help after 6–12 months, your doctor might suggest:
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA):
- Performed while you’re under general anesthesia
- The surgeon forcibly moves your shoulder to break up adhesions
- Can provide immediate improvement in range of motion
- Usually followed by intensive physical therapy
- Carries risks including fracture and nerve injury
Shoulder Arthroscopy (Capsular Release):
- Minimally invasive procedure using tiny incisions
- Surgeon uses small instruments to cut through tight portions of the capsule
- Allows for visual confirmation of the diagnosis
- Can address other shoulder issues at the same time
- Generally provides good results for pain relief and improved motion
Combination Approaches:
- MUA and arthroscopy are often used together
- Physical therapy is crucial following any surgical procedure
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Post-treatment rehab is critical for restoring strength and preventing re-injury:
Early Phase (Weeks 1–6):
- Passive range-of-motion exercises (e.g., therapist-assisted stretches).
- Scapular stabilization drills (e.g., wall slides).
Intermediate Phase (Weeks 6–12):
- Resistance band exercises for rotator cuff muscles.
- Core strengthening to improve overall posture.
Advanced Phase (Months 3–6):
- Sport-specific drills (e.g., throwing, swimming).
- Plyometric exercises to rebuild power.
Tips for Success:
- Avoid smoking and manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes) to speed healing.
- Attend all physical therapy sessions consistently.
Prevention and Long-term Outlook
Though frozen shoulder isn’t always avoidable, you can lower your chances by:
- Early mobility: Start moving your shoulder soon after any injury or surgery
- Follow medical advice: Work with healthcare providers on appropriate exercises
- Manage underlying conditions: Keep diabetes and other health conditions well-controlled
- Act quickly: Get medical advice if shoulder pain or stiffness lasts more than a few days.
The long-term outlook for frozen shoulder is generally positive. Even without treatment, most people eventually recover, though it can take time. With appropriate treatment, recovery can be faster and more complete.
Key Takeaways
Frozen shoulder, characterized by pain and stiffness from thickened joint tissue, progresses through three stages (freezing, frozen, thawing) and often resolves within 1–3 years with proper care. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment—ranging from physical therapy and steroid injections to advanced procedures like hydrodilatation or arthroscopic surgery—are critical for recovery.
For those seeking expert care in Pune, Sancheti Hospital offers specialized treatment for frozen shoulder, combining decades of orthopedic expertise with cutting-edge techniques. Their multidisciplinary team, including frozen shoulder specialists, provides personalized rehabilitation programs, minimally invasive surgeries (like capsular release), and innovative therapies to restore mobility and reduce recovery time.
With a focus on holistic recovery, Sancheti Hospital integrates physical therapy, pain management, and patient education to address both primary and secondary cases of frozen shoulder, ensuring patients regain function and return to daily activities faster. For persistent or severe cases, their advanced diagnostic tools and surgical options make them a trusted choice for comprehensive frozen shoulder treatment in India.
Meet Our Shoulder Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main frozen shoulder symptoms?
The main symptoms are pain and limited movement in all directions of the affected shoulder. The pain is often dull or aching and worsens with movement or at night.
What are the frozen shoulder stages?
There are generally three frozen shoulder stages: the freezing stage (increasing pain, decreasing motion), the frozen stage (less pain, significant stiffness), and the thawing stage (improving motion).
What are the reasons for frozen shoulder?
The exact reason for frozen shoulder is not fully known. It’s believed to be related to inflammation causing the shoulder capsule to thicken and contract, sometimes with scar tissue formation and reduced synovial fluid. It can occur after immobilization due to injury or surgery.
How to cure frozen shoulder quickly?
There isn’t a way to “cure” it quickly; treatment focuses on managing pain and restoring motion over time. Diligent physical therapy is key to recovery.
What kind of frozen shoulder doctor should I see?
You can start by seeing your primary care provider. They may refer you to a frozen shoulder specialist such as an orthopedist (a doctor specializing in bones and muscles) or a physiatrist (a rehabilitation physician). A physical therapist is also a key part of the treatment team.
