Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

What is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?

The humerus, scapula, and clavicle bones form the shoulder joint. The shoulder capsule is a band of connective tissue that covers the head of the humerus and glenoid cavity of the scapula. The shoulder capsule helps stabilize the shoulder. Synovial fluid inside the capsule helps the move the shoulder.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens, adhesions form and synovial fluid decreases. Frozen shoulder occurs gradually over several months or years.

Common Causes:

• • Untreated shoulder injuries
  • Shoulder fractures
  • Diabetes

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome include:

• • Pain (often severe)
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Inability to move the shoulder and arm

If diagnosed in its early stages, frozen shoulder is much easier to treat. Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of shoulder specialists use the following to accurately diagnose frozen shoulder:

• • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  • A physical examination
  • Multiple view x-rays

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

After an OPA specialist diagnosis a frozen shoulder and determines its severity, a customized treatment plan is prescribed.

Nonsurgical treatment options treat the majority of cases of frozen shoulder.