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Shoulder Pain : Not always Frozen Shoulder


Everything Isn't Frozen Shoulder: Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, often leading people to jump to the conclusion of frozen shoulder. While frozen shoulder can be a culprit, it's important to remember it's just one of the possible diagnosis. Here's an overview of the possible causes of shoulder pain and restricted movement.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder:

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It typically progresses through stages of pain, stiffness, and gradual improvement over a period of months. However, the hallmark symptom of frozen shoulder is a significant limitation in both active and passive movement of the joint. This means even when someone else tries to move your arm for you, there's a restricted range of motion.

Beyond Frozen Shoulder: A Range of Possibilities

Several other issues can mimic frozen shoulder symptoms, each with its own characteristics:

  • Rotator Cuff Tear: This involves a tear in the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Pain and weakness are common, but unlike frozen shoulder, some movement may still be possible, particularly with specific motions. Rotator cuff tears often cause a sharp pain with specific movements, like reaching overhead.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs cushioning the shoulder joint, can cause pain with specific movements, like reaching behind your back. The pain might be more localized than with frozen shoulder and may improve with rest.
  • Arthritis: Wear and tear on the shoulder joint, leading to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to pain and stiffness, but usually not the same degree of limitation as frozen shoulder. Arthritis pain might be more achy and less sharp than what's experienced with frozen shoulder. There may also be morning stiffness that improves with movement.
  • Biceps Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder can cause pain, especially reaching overhead or lifting objects. Unlike frozen shoulder, there's typically no significant limitation in the overall range of motion.
  • Shoulder Instability: This occurs when the shoulder joint feels loose or dislocates easily. It can be caused by laxity in the ligaments or injuries to the joint capsule. Instability can present with pain, a feeling of apprehension about using the arm, or a history of dislocations.
  • Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff or bursa become irritated due to rubbing against the bony structures of the shoulder joint. It typically causes pain in a specific arc of motion, often when reaching overhead. Unlike frozen shoulder, there's usually no limitation in passive movement (someone else moving your arm for you). Painful arc syndrome is another term for shoulder impingement.

Why Seeing an Orthopaedic Surgeon is important.

An orthooaedician can properly diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. They'll likely perform a physical exam, assessing your range of motion in different directions and comparing it to your other shoulder. They may also order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a clearer picture of what's going on inside the joint. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to getting you on the path to recovery.

Treatment Options:

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options can vary. Treatment options also depend on the age, overall health condition and activity level along with expectations of the patient.

  • Physical therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and restore range of motion are a cornerstone of treatment for most shoulder conditions.
  • Medication: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the inflamed area around the joint can provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a rotator cuff tear, remove bone spurs caused by arthritis, or address other problems. Most of the times it is Arthroscopic Surgery (keyhole). 

The Takeaway:

Shoulder pain is multifaceted. While frozen shoulder exists, it's important to explore all possibilities with a ortho doctor or acsports medicine specialist. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help you regain pain-free movement and get back to your daily activities. Don't hesitate to seek professional help – with the right approach, you can conquer your shoulder pain and get back to living life to the fullest.

Dr. Naveen Chowdary Tummala

SCOT: Dr. Naveen's Bone and Joint Clinic, Sholinganallur

9094567893 , 9094567894

Google Page for Details & Directions

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