Frozen Shoulder
Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition which can cause pain and lack of mobility in your shoulder joint. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain with limited range of motion, then it’s possible you have a frozen shoulder.
The shoulder joint (glenohumeral or GH joint) is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles (including the rotator-cuff), and ligaments. It is known as a “ball and socket” joint giving the shoulder excellent range of motion. This allows you to make such movements as swimming, throwing a baseball, or itching your back.
A frozen shoulder is exactly what it sounds like – your shoulder gets stiff and feels like it’s stuck! This happens when the soft tissue around your shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes thick and inflamed.
You are at increased risk of getting adhesive capsulitis if you are:
- Diabetic
- Suffering from thyroid disorders
- Aged 40-60, particularly women
- Recovering from surgery – particularly if you must wear a sling or hold your arm still
Do I Have a Frozen Shoulder?
If your shoulder has been getting progressively more stiff and difficult to move, it’s possible you have a frozen shoulder. There are other conditions that cause similar symptoms, so it’s important that you visit your physician to get your shoulder evaluated.
Diagnosis will require a physical examination and tests such as an X-ray or MRI to make sure there isn’t another cause of your pain and stiffness.
You may have a frozen shoulder if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your arm when you try to move it
- Stiffness that’s getting worse over time (sometimes over months)
- Discomfort that gets worse at night
- Struggling to do everyday tasks such as dress yourself
When your shoulder starts to hurt, you end up trying to move it less to avoid the pain. This actually makes the stiffness worse!
An orthopedic surgeon can help get you the right diagnosis and start you on the path to recovery. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms you should book a consultation as soon as possible.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition.
We can help if you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
You might be asking yourself, “How do I cure frozen shoulder quickly?” A frozen shoulder can last years if it goes untreated – the quickest way is to seek the expertise from an orthopedic surgeon and start your treatment as soon as possible.
In the first stages your pain may start to ease up, but the stiffness will slowly worsen. Before you visit an orthopedic surgeon, you should continue to use your arm but avoid movements which worsen the pain. You can try taking pain relief and placing hot packs onto the affected shoulder.
After diagnosis your treatment plan might include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Home exercises
- Cortisone injection
- Shoulder Surgery (rarely)
If you don’t get the right treatment for your frozen shoulder, the pain and stiffness can last up to three years! There are several frozen shoulder exercises that might help, though it’s best to do these under supervision of a physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon.
With the right treatment plan, you can cut recovery time dramatically – though it can still be months before you regain full function.
The right treatment approach differs depending on your age, extent of injury, and what your goals are for your recovery. That is why it is vital to find an orthopedic surgeon who listens to you and creates a holistic treatment plan to suit your priorities. Dr. Pamela Mehta, an orthopedic surgeon based in San Jose, CA, can help you determine the best treatment option for your frozen shoulder.
Testimonials
How Resilience Orthopedics Can Help
Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose, California
Dr. Pamela Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a specialist in sports injuries including frozen shoulder care. Dr. Mehta offers expert care as a shoulder surgeon and is passionate about her patients. Dr. Mehta will explain your condition to you, work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, and make sure your aftercare goes smoothly.
Resilience Orthopedics is based San Jose, California. To make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment the first time, get in touch to begin your journey to recovery.
Further Information
Learn about the causes of shoulder pain, what the diagnosis could be, and the treatments available.
Learn about shoulder surgery, including minimally invasive surgical techniques like shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder Conditions
Learn about different shoulder conditions, their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment we can offer at Resilience Orthopedics, including:
