Frozen shoulder is known to be the stiffness in the shoulder accompanied by pain and loss of movement. According to studies, this condition affects around 2% of the entire population. In addition, it usually affects individuals between the ages 40 to 60 years old.

The main cause of frozen shoulder is not clearly known. Though, it happens when the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint thickens and contracts. Individuals with diabetes are known to be affected with this condition around 10% to 20%. Also, it can be triggered by other conditions such as:

- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiac disease

When the shoulder has not engaged in any activity or it has become passive for a long period of time it can develop frozen shoulder. To be able to prevent it from happening, the shoulders must be moved after the injury.

The pain caused by this condition is said to be aching or dull. The pain can become worse when the shoulder is moved. It is usually felt in the upper arm and in the outer shoulder area. The first symptom that an individual will feel is that pain is felt slowly. As the pain gets worse, the motion is also limited. It has been said that this can be felt for 6 weeks to 9 months. As the pain subsides, the stiffness of the shoulder still remains and this could last for 4 months to 9 months. After these symptoms are felt, the shoulder begins to move again gradually that can last for 5 to 26 months.

Frozen shoulder – How It Develops

There are several problems experienced at the shoulder area and the worst problem is considered to be the frozen shoulder syndrome. This condition limits the person from moving his shoulder and to make things worse pain is also felt. Experts state that there is no definite reason why this happens though several factors were studied that might trigger this condition. Some of the factors that were considered are injuries, past surgeries, genetic component and trauma.

This condition develops when scar tissue forms in the joint which is the result of lack of activity. If the shoulder is not moved in full range motion daily the scar tissue forms. This is common among stroke patients because one side of their body is not able to move. In addition, weakness in the rotator cuff’s tendon will also result to the frozen shoulder syndrome.

The condition is known to have three phases:

1.     The first phase is characterized by pain that is felt when the shoulder is moved and the pain is worst at night.   When the pain felt becomes worst, the movement of the shoulder is also limited. This can last for up to 2-9 months.

2.    At this stage, the shoulder can move but with a limited range. This can last for 4-12 months.

3.    The last stage is when the problem is resolved. Over a period of 12-24 months, the patient will be able to experience relief and more movement. But still treatment is needed to achieve full recovery.