About this disease
What it is about
Frozen shoulder is a painful restriction of active and passive mobility of the shoulder. The reason for this is a thickening of the joint capsule. The cause of so-called idiopathic frozen shoulder is unclear. However, it occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders or disorders of lipid metabolism.
Types
Secondary frozen shoulder can occur after trauma, but also in the case of calcified shoulder, after immobilization, in the case of so-called impingement syndrome or after inflammation. Women between 40 and 60 years of age and people suffering from diabetes have an increased risk of developing the disease. The duration of the disease varies greatly and can last up to 36 months.
Symptoms and consequences
A phasic course is typical. In the inflammatory phase (freezing), mobility decreases and sufferers experience pain at rest and at night. This is followed by stiffening (frozen): Mobility is significantly reduced in this phase, but pain slowly improves. With resolution (thawing), mobility slowly returns.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
A physical examination is required for a precise clarification. If necessary, X-rays or MRIs are also performed. We then discuss the findings with the patient and jointly develop a treatment concept. This may include conservative measures or surgery.
Treatment
Conservative therapy includes anti-inflammatory analgesics, pain-adapted physiotherapy and cortisone infiltrations. If conservative therapies fail and the movement restriction is persistent, surgery must be considered.