Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually, worsens over several months, and then slowly improves. Most people recover within 1 to 3 years, although the symptoms can significantly affect daily life.
In Singapore, frozen shoulder is commonly seen in patients after shoulder injuries or surgery, especially when shoulder movement is limited during recovery. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, patients can manage pain effectively and restore shoulder mobility.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three main bones:
- Humerus (upper arm bone)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
- Clavicle (collarbone)
The head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula. The joint is surrounded by strong connective tissue known as the shoulder capsule. Synovial fluid lubricates the capsule and helps the shoulder move smoothly.
In frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that restrict movement and cause pain.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:
Freezing Stage
- Shoulder pain develops and gradually worsens
- Pain is often more severe at night, affecting sleep
- Lasts up to 9 months
Frozen Stage
- Pain may improve but stiffness becomes more noticeable
- Limited ability to raise the arm or rotate it behind the back
- Lasts up to 12 months
Thawing Stage
- Stiffness slowly reduces and shoulder mobility improves
- Recovery can take up to 2 years
- Most patients regain near normal strength and movement
Who is at Risk?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder:
- Age and Gender: More common in people over 40, particularly women
- Immobility: Reduced shoulder movement due to injury, fracture, stroke or post-surgery recovery
- Medical Conditions: Higher risk in patients with:
– Diabetes
– Thyroid disease (overactive or underactive)
– Cardiovascular disease
– Parkinson’s disease
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder in Singapore
At an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, diagnosis usually involves:
- Physical examination: Assessing active and passive range of motion
- Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound or MRI to rule out other causes of shoulder pain such as rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder is confirmed when both active and passive movements are restricted.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Singapore
Most cases of frozen shoulder improve over time. However, treatment can speed up recovery and reduce pain.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be recommended.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist in Singapore can guide patients through range-of-motion exercises tailored to their recovery stage. Consistency with exercises is vital for regaining mobility.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections into the shoulder joint can reduce pain and improve mobility, especially if given in the early stage of frozen shoulder.
Advanced Treatments
For persistent or severe cases, other options include:
- Hydrodilatation: Injection of sterile fluid into the joint capsule to stretch the tissue
- Shoulder manipulation under anaesthesia: The doctor moves the joint to loosen tight tissue while the patient is under general anaesthesia
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure where thickened parts of the capsule are released. Surgery is usually considered only when other treatments have failed
Outlook for Patients
With proper care, most patients with frozen shoulder recover within 12 to 18 months. The condition rarely returns in the same shoulder, but it may develop in the opposite shoulder within a few years.
Seeking Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Singapore
If you are experiencing shoulder stiffness or pain that is affecting your daily activities, it is important to consult a shoulder specialist in Singapore. Early treatment can reduce recovery time and help you return to normal function faster.
Our orthopaedic clinic in Singapore offers diagnosis and treatment for frozen shoulder, including physiotherapy, image-guided injections, and minimally invasive procedures where necessary.
