Frozen shoulder or ‘adhesive capsulitis’ is a condition where the ball-socket joint structure develops resistance against its three-dimensional mobility and gradually becomes stiff and immobile. Shoulder’s range of motion reduces with increasing pain and inflammation in and around the joint.
Frozen shoulder is commonly caused due to prolonged inactivity of the joint after traumatic injuries of the shoulder or even due to Stroke, heart conditions, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism), diabetes or other systemic disorders. At times it may be idiopathic ie without any specific cause. This condition mostly occurs in women and the chances of getting frozen shoulders increases after the age of 40.
• Stage 1 : There is a mild loss of front flexion, abduction and internal and external rotation
• Stage 2 : The 'freezing stage,' - there is a significant pain and persistent loss of all movements for 3 to 9 months.
• Stage 3 : The 'frozen stage' - the pain has subdued however leaving a stiffened glenohumeral joint for 9 to 14 months
• Stage 4 : The 'thawing stage' - the pain is reduced & due to capsular remodelling, there is a progressive increase in the range of movement (in 14 to 24 months).