Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Simple activities such as lifting your arm, wearing clothes, reaching behind your back or combing your hair can become difficult.

If you are looking for frozen shoulder treatment in Chennai, understanding the condition and seeking appropriate treatment at the right time can help manage pain and restore shoulder movement.

At Dr. John Arthur Ortho Hospital, Avadi, Chennai, patients with frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions can undergo evaluation and receive treatment based on the severity and underlying cause of their symptoms.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed and gradually tighten. This can reduce the normal space and flexibility of the joint capsule, resulting in increasing pain and stiffness.

The shoulder may become progressively difficult to move, even when you try to move it yourself.

Frozen shoulder can develop gradually and may affect one shoulder at a time. In some cases, the other shoulder can also be affected.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms may develop slowly and become more noticeable over time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Shoulder pain, particularly at night
  • Increasing stiffness in the shoulder
  • Difficulty raising the arm
  • Difficulty reaching overhead
  • Difficulty reaching behind the back
  • Trouble wearing or removing clothes
  • Difficulty combing or washing your hair
  • Reduced range of shoulder movement
  • Pain while performing everyday activities

Night-time shoulder pain is particularly common and may interfere with sleep.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

In many people, the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not clear. However, certain conditions and situations can increase the risk.

These include:

  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Previous shoulder injury
  • Shoulder surgery
  • Prolonged immobilisation of the arm
  • Rotator cuff problems
  • Previous fractures around the shoulder
  • Certain neurological or cardiovascular conditions

People who keep their shoulder immobilised for a prolonged period after an injury or surgery may have a higher risk of developing stiffness.

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages.

1. Freezing Stage

Pain gradually increases and shoulder movement starts becoming restricted. Pain can be particularly troublesome at night.

This stage may last for several weeks or months.

2. Frozen Stage

Pain may gradually reduce in some patients, but stiffness becomes more prominent. Shoulder movements become significantly restricted.

Activities that require reaching overhead or behind the back may become difficult.

3. Thawing Stage

Shoulder movement gradually improves. Recovery can take time, and physiotherapy and appropriate exercises may help restore mobility.

The duration of each stage varies from person to person.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

A doctor will usually begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

The range of shoulder movement is assessed to determine whether the limitation is consistent with frozen shoulder.

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may recommend imaging investigations such as:

  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI

These investigations can help rule out other causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, fractures or other shoulder problems.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Chennai

Treatment depends on the stage of frozen shoulder, severity of symptoms, duration of the condition and the patient’s overall health.

Pain Relief and Medication

Medication may be recommended to control pain and inflammation. The choice of medication depends on the individual’s health, existing medical conditions and other medicines being taken.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an important part of frozen shoulder treatment.

A physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises to gradually improve:

  • Shoulder flexibility
  • Range of motion
  • Joint mobility
  • Muscle strength

Exercises should generally be performed according to professional guidance, particularly when the shoulder is very painful or stiff.

Home Exercises

Gentle shoulder movements may help maintain mobility.

However, forceful stretching during a painful phase can potentially worsen symptoms. Patients should follow exercises recommended by their orthopaedic doctor or physiotherapist.

Steroid Injection

In selected patients, a corticosteroid injection may be considered to help reduce pain and inflammation and make physiotherapy easier.

The suitability of an injection depends on the patient’s condition and medical history.

Hydrodilatation

Hydrodilatation, sometimes called shoulder distension, involves injecting fluid into the shoulder joint under appropriate medical guidance.

It may be considered for selected patients with significant stiffness.

Surgery

Most patients with frozen shoulder do not necessarily require surgery.

However, if significant stiffness and symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, an orthopaedic specialist may consider procedures such as manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release in selected cases.

The appropriate treatment depends on individual assessment.

Can Frozen Shoulder Be Completely Cured?

Frozen shoulder can improve over time, but the recovery period varies considerably between individuals.

Some patients recover with non-surgical treatment, physiotherapy and exercises, while others may continue to have significant stiffness and require additional treatment.

Early assessment can help identify the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Frozen Shoulder and Diabetes

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.

If you have diabetes and experience persistent shoulder pain or stiffness, it is important not to ignore the symptoms.

Managing blood sugar levels along with appropriate orthopaedic treatment and physiotherapy can form an important part of overall care.

When Should You See a Frozen Shoulder Doctor?

Consider consulting an orthopaedic specialist if you experience:

  • Persistent shoulder pain
  • Increasing shoulder stiffness
  • Difficulty lifting your arm
  • Pain that affects your sleep
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Shoulder pain following an injury
  • Shoulder stiffness that continues despite rest

Early evaluation can also help determine whether the symptoms are caused by frozen shoulder or another shoulder condition.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment at Dr. John Arthur Ortho Hospital, Chennai

If you are searching for frozen shoulder treatment in Chennai, Dr. John Arthur Ortho Hospital in Avadi provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for shoulder-related conditions.

Dr. Peter Ponniah Jesudass, Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, evaluates patients with shoulder pain, stiffness and other musculoskeletal conditions and recommends treatment based on the individual’s condition.

Treatment may involve a combination of medical management, physiotherapy, exercises, injections or surgical intervention when clinically appropriate.

The hospital also provides facilities including digital X-ray, physiotherapy, pharmacy and inpatient care.

Looking for Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Chennai?

Persistent shoulder pain and stiffness should not be ignored. If you are finding it difficult to raise your arm or perform everyday activities, an orthopaedic evaluation can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Dr. John Arthur Ortho Hospital
Ground Floor, 182, Poonamallee–Avadi High Road, JB Estate, Avadi, Chennai – 600054
Call / WhatsApp: 73059 89799
Website: DrJohnArthurOrthoHospital.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best treatment for frozen shoulder?

Treatment depends on the stage and severity of frozen shoulder. Physiotherapy, pain management, injections and, in selected cases, procedures such as arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.

2. How long does frozen shoulder take to recover?

Recovery varies from person to person. Frozen shoulder can take several months or longer to improve, particularly when stiffness is significant.

3. Can physiotherapy cure frozen shoulder?

Physiotherapy can help improve shoulder movement and function and is an important part of treatment. The exercise programme should be tailored to the patient’s condition.

4. Is frozen shoulder related to diabetes?

Yes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

5. Does frozen shoulder require surgery?

Not usually. Many patients can be managed without surgery. Surgery or other procedures may be considered when significant symptoms and stiffness persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

6. Which doctor should I consult for frozen shoulder?

An orthopaedic doctor or shoulder specialist can evaluate persistent shoulder pain and stiffness and determine whether it is frozen shoulder or another shoulder condition.