Frozen Shoulder
The shoulder joint may become frozen due to the syndrome known as frozen shoulder. The glenohumeral joint enables the shoulder to rotate and extend from the body and move forward and backward. Synovial fluid is a lubricant found within a flexible capsule that surrounds the joint. Tendons attach muscles to bones, ligaments tie bones together, and bursae act as a shock absorber for tendons and bones. All of these structures surround the capsule. The term “frozen shoulder” refers to a condition in which the capsule around the glenohumeral joint tightens and becomes rigid. Adhesion or scar tissue may also develop.
Symptoms often include gradual onset, worsening, and resolution of pain and stiffness. One shoulder may feel achy or dull if frozen. Pain may also radiate down the upper arm into the shoulder, affecting daily activities, especially sleep at night.
The three stages of this condition include the freezing, frozen, and thawing stage. Pain will likely increase with time, especially while lying down, persisting from six to nine months. After 6 to 12 months of thawing, mobility can return to normal. Frozen shoulder typically only affects one shoulder. Thus, a recurrence in the same shoulder is quite uncommon. However, it can spread to the other shoulder, often within five years.
