What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and progressive loss of shoulder movement due to inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule.

It commonly affects individuals between 40 and 60 years of age and can significantly interfere with daily activities and sleep.

Who is at risk of developing Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is more common in:

• Patients with diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• After shoulder injuries or surgery
• Following prolonged immobilisation
• Middle-aged adults, especially women

Diabetic patients are at a higher risk and often experience more severe symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Common symptoms of Frozen Shoulder include:

• Shoulder pain, especially at night
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
• Progressive stiffness
• Difficulty combing hair or reaching overhead
• Problems with dressing or reaching behind the back
• Reduced shoulder movement

Many patients describe the shoulder as becoming "stuck" or "locked".

What are the stages of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage

Increasing pain with gradually worsening stiffness.

2. Frozen Stage

Pain may improve, but stiffness becomes more pronounced.

3. Thawing Stage

Movement slowly returns and symptoms improve.

The entire process may last 6 months to 2 years if left untreated.

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

• Clinical examination
• X-rays
• MRI scan in selected cases

These investigations help exclude other shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears or arthritis.

What are the Non-Surgical Treatment options for Frozen Shoulder?

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, which may include:

• Pain medication
• Heat therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Stretching exercises
• Corticosteroid injections in selected patients

Early treatment often reduces pain and speeds recovery.

When is Surgery Recommended for Frozen Shoulder?

Surgery may be considered when:

• Symptoms persist despite treatment
• Pain remains severe
• Shoulder stiffness significantly affects daily life
• Recovery is unacceptably slow

What is Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Frozen Shoulder?

Dr. Anand Jadhav performs Arthroscopic Capsular Release, an advanced keyhole procedure used to release the tight shoulder capsule and restore movement in patients with Frozen Shoulder.

Advantages include:

• Small incisions
• Excellent pain relief
• Rapid improvement in movement
• Faster return to work and daily activities
• Success rates exceeding 90%

Post-operative physiotherapy is essential to maintain the improved shoulder movement achieved during surgery.

Why Early Treatment Matters in Frozen Shoulder?

Delayed treatment in Frozen Shoulder may lead to:

• Persistent pain
• Prolonged stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced quality of life

Early specialist assessment often allows faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities.

Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?

Dr. Anand Jadhav has over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and specialises in:

• Frozen Shoulder Treatment
• Shoulder Arthroscopy
• Arthroscopic Capsular Release
• Rotator Cuff Surgery
• Sports Shoulder Injuries

His goal is to relieve pain, restore movement and help patients regain confidence in using their shoulder again.