Understanding Adhesive Capsulitis
- Posted on: Jun 15 2023
You wake up one day and struggle to roll out of bed with your stiff shoulder. It’s been like this for a month now, and you’re beginning to become worried if it’ll ever get better. While there are many conditions that can affect your shoulder, adhesive capsulitis is an important one to understand. Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that affects the shoulder’s connective tissue. Let’s take a closer look at what adhesive capsulitis is, so you can better understand your treatment options.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis can manifest its symptoms in different ways. However, there are some common symptoms that most people experience. Adhesive capsulitis has three distinct phases that have their own sets of symptoms.
- The “freezing” stage is the first stage and is when pain is often at its highest. Your shoulder will progressively become more stiff and more painful to move. This pain is often worse at night or when you sleep. This stage lasts up to nine months.
- The “frozen” stage is when the condition has hit a plateau and does not become any worse. The shoulder will still hurt and be stiff, but it shouldn’t become any worse. This stage can often last up to six months.
- The “thawing” stage is the final and least painful stage of adhesive capsulitis. Your mobility will slowly return, and your pain will reduce over the next few months. Eventually, all functions will be restored. This is essentially the opposite of the freezing stage. The thawing stage can last up to two years before it is fully restored.
What Causes it?
Adhesive capsulitis is often caused by the shoulder not receiving enough movement after a shoulder injury or broken bone. However, any condition that inflames or irritates the connective tissues in the shoulder can lead to adhesive capsulitis.
Seeking Treatment
Adhesive capsulitis can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that takes extensive time to recover from fully. That’s why Redwood Orthopaedic Associates provides services to treat adhesive capsulitis and get you back to your full mobility. Our team will walk you through your entire recovery process and be there to alleviate your symptoms with our state-of-the-art treatments. If you’re struggling with adhesive capsulitis, then contact Redwood Orthopaedic Associates at 707-544-3400 today.
Posted in: Bone Health, Orthopaedic Care, Shoulder Treatments
