Thawing out my frozen shoulder…not to be confused with a cold shoulder
If you’ve ever received the cold shoulder from someone, you know it can sting, and the discomfort may linger long after the incident. Dealing with that would make a good blog post topic…but that’s a discussion for another day. Today I want to talk about what happens when you get a frozen shoulder and what you can do about that.
But first, a reminder that I am not a medical professional, and I am not in a position to give you medical advice. What I offer here is my own experience, what I learned from my medical professionals and from WebMD.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
The medical term for Frozen Shoulder is adhesive capsulitis, a condition in which the strong connective tissue around your shoulder joint becomes so thick and tight that moving your shoulder is difficult and painful, if not impossible.
In my case, it was a gradual process. I first noticed a slight stiffness in my left shoulder when my arm was fully extended above my head, such as when I was doing a full body stretch. Gradually…over several months…it became more and more difficult to reach that arm in any direction, making some daily tasks challenging and certain shoulder exercises at the gym impossible. During that time, I tried self-treatment, including icing, ibuprofen, and hot showers. They helped some, but not significantly.
Eventually, I reached the point where it was impossible to reach behind my back; for example to put lotion on, tuck in a shirt, or hook a bra. If I needed to reach something overhead or to my left, I had to use my right hand. To make matters worse, I would wake up several times during the night, because I had rolled over onto my left shoulder or stretched my arm to the point of pain…which to be fair, wasn’t far. It’s not like I was doing acrobatics in my sleep. That’s when I broke down and scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.
How is Frozen Shoulder diagnosed?
In my case, the doctor’s office had me complete an online questionnaire describing my symptoms, when they started, how they progressed, and how they were currently affecting my daily life.
When I arrived for my appointment, I first met with the Physician’s Assistant, who reviewed my responses with me, asked some follow-up questions, and took me back for x-rays of the affected shoulder. Then I met with the physician, who asked a few additional questions about my medical history, activity level, and whether I’d had any accidents or surgeries on that shoulder (which I had not). Then he reviewed my x-rays and had me demonstrate how much…or little, as the case was…I could move my arm in various directions.
My x-ray showed that outside of some slight arthritis, which was not causing the symptoms I was experiencing, the bones making up my shoulder joint and the spacing between the ball and socket are in excellent condition. Based on a combination of the physical exam and the x-ray results, the physician confidently diagnosed me with adhesive capsulitis, commonly called Frozen Shoulder.
What causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder can occur following an accident, illness, or surgery that reduces movement of the shoulder over an extended period of time. That was not applicable to my case. Evidently, no one knows for sure what causes most cases of Frozen Shoulder, though the condition is more frequent among women between the ages of 40 and 60. Also, certain medical conditions increase the likelihood of suffering from Frozen Shoulder, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Of those risk factors, I am a 62-year-old female with thyroid disease. Evidently, that was enough.
What is the treatment for Frozen Shoulder?
According to WebMD, most cases of Frozen Shoulder will eventually resolve themselves, even without treatment, but it can take up to three years.
Believe me, if your shoulder is frozen, you don’t want to wait three years for it to thaw. After an in-depth discussion with my physician, we agreed on the following treatment for my particular situation: a cortisone shot to reduce the pain and allow more movement, followed by up to six weeks of physical therapy.
I decided to proceed immediately with the cortisone injection while I was in the office. A specialist administered the injection using an ultrasound to ensure the proper placement of the needle. I was quite nervous, because I’ve heard that cortisone injections are painful, and while it was definitely unpleasant, it was not excruciating. The specialist did an excellent job of talking me through everything he was doing and what I could expect during each step. He also went over the possible side effects, none of which I experienced.
I did have increased soreness in that shoulder the first evening, which was alleviated by ibuprofen. I did not experience any immediate relief to my previous symptoms in the first couple of days, which was disappointing, but then I began to notice a gradual improvement over the next several days.
Approximately a week after my doctor’s appointment and the injection, I had my first physical therapy session. It consisted of an assessment of my pain and mobility and a demonstration of various passive stretches to be held for 30 seconds at a time. Passive stretches are those where you hold the position using another part of your body or an apparatus; for example, a door frame, a towel, or a pulley…all of which are featured in my prescribed stretches.
Once I demonstrated to my therapist that I was capable of performing the stretches with the proper form and assured him that I was sufficiently motivated to do the stretches daily, he gave me the option of self-directed therapy at home with a follow-up evaluation in two weeks…which I gladly accepted.
So that is what I am doing, and I am happy to report that after only four days, I am seeing a marked improvement. My shoulder is not yet completely thawed out, but is definitely warming up.
Your turn
- Have you ever heard of Frozen Shoulder? Know anyone who has experienced it?
- Have you ever had a cortisone injection? Did you find it painful? Were the results worth it?
- Have you had physical therapy before? Were the results what you had hoped for?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love hearing from you.
Your treatment sounds exactly like mine from about 15 years ago! I got the coritsone shot at my Ortho appt and although I was terrified it would hurt, I felt no pain or discomfort. I followed that up with physical therapy and at home exercises as you described. It took about 2 months to get *almost* full mobility back. I still have a slight bit of limitation with my left shoulder but it does not hinder me in any way.
I hope you continue to see great results!!!
Interesting, Sharon. I’m glad you had good results from your treatment. I am hoping for the same, based on the improvement so far. I’ve been surprised at the number of people who have experienced Frozen Shoulder or know someone that has. I had never heard of it, so thought it must be uncommon, but maybe not so much.
Hi Christie, I had Frozen shoulder about ten/twelve years ago; first in my right arm and then in my left. When I walked into my PT’s office for the first time she said, ‘Let me guess, you are around 55 years old, an athlete, probably tennis.’ Yep, that’s me. I did not have the cortisone shot and went straight to the PT after being diagnosed. I did 2x week treatments for about six weeks, (agonizing, but worth it) then I transitioned to home therapy. I regained about 95% mobility in both shoulders. Good luck with your recovery. Do the work!
Oh, Suzanne, I can imagine how that PT must have hurt without the cortisone shot. I’m glad the results were worth it. I have read that Frozen Shoulder seldom recurs in the same joint, but it is fairly common for a person to experience it in the other shoulder at some point. I’m hoping that is not the case for me, but we shall see. I will definitely be diligent about my PT stretches. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This brings back memories for me (and for the other commentors already!) I had it in my left shoulder and it was horrible (I remember the issues with doing up my bra!) I was around 55 and my shoulder and hip joints are dodgy at the best of times. I did the physio and home exercises and eventually got my movement back. A few months ago my shoulder started playing up again and I thought I was heading back to another frozen shoulder, but the physio says it’s different this time and I just need to do some exercises to sort it out – that was a huge relief. Good luck and I’m sure yours will be back to normal soon.
I am so surprised by the number of people that have experienced Frozen Shoulder, Leanne. I guess since I had never heard of it, I just thought it was an unusual condition, but that doesn’t seem to be the case…at least among women in our age group. I hope your exercises are helping your current shoulder condition. You’ve had your share of medical issues recently. You’re due one with an easy fix!
Hi Christie – you have my sympathy! I have ongoing issues with my shoulders in recent years. Mainly my right one. I’ve had several cortisone shots over the years. It can make it worse before it gets better sometimes but last time it got better very quickly. However, it doesn’t last forever. My right shoulder is starting to play up again. I do a lot of yoga and pilates and plenty of exercises to help keep the joint mobile and moving. It’s all I can do I think. It’s all come about since menopause and the loss of oestrogen. No-one tells you this stuff do they?! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy – enjoy the rest of your week and I hope your shoulder continues to improve! xo
That’s no fun, Min. I’m glad the injections help, but as you said, it’s not a permanent fix. My hope is, with my particular condition, that by the time the cortisone loses it’s effectiveness, I’ve worked out the shoulder issues. You are so right about not being fully prepared for all the effects that menopause has on the body. Seems everyone talks about hot flashes and weight gain, but not all the other “joys” that come along with menopause. As my grandmother used to say, “Getting older is hell, but it beats the alternative!”
I haven’t had that but I have so many niggles these days. Every week it seems to be something new….ugh. Hopefully uoi’re on the mend soon #WWWhimsy
Isn’t that the truth, Lydia? I’ve never heard the word “niggles” before, but it came up twice in responses to this blog post. I like it, as it describes precisely what so many of us are experiencing…at this point in life particularly.
I found it interesting o read about your frozen shoulder Christie. My mother had it, possibly at about age 60. She didn’t do anything about it and it eventually improved, but it took years and years. I’m pleased to hear you took action. I’m finding that I’m at an age now that there are lots of little niggles that come and go, but mostly just annoying for a short time fortunately. I’m impressed that you were brave enough for the cortisone injection.
That’s interesting to hear about your mother’s experience, Jennifer. Most people who have responded with personal experience have received physical therapy, so it was good to hear about an untreated case resolving on its own, as I had read it would eventually. Still, I would not want to have dealt with this for years. I admit I was quite nervous about the cortisone injection, but as so often happens, the thought of it was much worse than the actual experience. Yours is the second comment that included the word “niggles,” which is not a common word in the U.S., so I looked up the precise meaning (though I could guess from the surrounding content). The definition described so well what many of us are experiencing at this stage of life, I think we should be using it more in the US.
Yes I too had frozen shoulder as did my cousin and many other women I know. Doctors seem reluctant to talk about it, but as far as I am concerned, it is due to menopause and as in my case and the other women, it just goes away – but yes after some time. Doctors suggested to my cousin that she have an operation. THank goodness she refused.
cheers
sherry
Thanks for sharing your experience, Sherry. As I’ve mentioned to others, I am so surprised at how common this condition is for women at this stage of life. You think you’d hear more about it from medical providers. I was pleased with the way my orthopedic physician explained the mechanics of it and for his more conservative approach to treatment, despite the fact that he is by trade a surgeon. He did say surgery is an option if nothing else helps, but only as a last resort. Knowing that the condition eventually resolves, I don’t think I would have resorted to surgery even if the PT wasn’t working, but I am sure grateful that it is. What I was unable to learn from my doctor or my online research was any explanation as to what causes frozen shoulder, but I think you may be on to something when you say it is related to menopause and the change in hormones.
I meant to add the hashtag #WWWhimsy
😊
Hi Christie, this isn’t something I’ve experienced but I appreciate you explaining the symptoms and wish you well with your recovery.
Thank you Debbie. I am surprised at how quickly my mobility is improving. Fingers crossed, it continues!
I’m sorry about your shoulder. A friend was recently diagnosed with the same thing, kind of slowly snuck up on her.
I’ve had cortisone injections and aside from the moment the needle went into me, not much pain. It was worth it.
I’ve had PT a few times with wildly different success. It came down to the actual therapist more than anything else. Some are humane, others are just going through the motions [no pun intended].
I’m glad to hear the cortisone injections were worth it for you, Ally, and that they weren’t too painful. I barely felt the needle go in, but there was a fair amount of pressure as the liquid was injected. I’m just curious, was your injection in your shoulder or somewhere else? I wonder if that makes a difference.
This was my first PT experience, and I was pleased with the therapist. My husband has had numerous PT sessions for different reasons, and I think he would agree with you on the effectiveness and the variety in therapists. I did like your pun, even if it was not intended.
I had the injections in my lower back to relax spasms there attributed to sciatica. They did the trick, without any harmful side effects [I know of].
Thanks for the quick response, Ally. I was wondering if the pressure I felt was because they are injecting the liquid into a confined space. I’m glad it worked for you! Back pain is horrible.
HI Christie, fortunately, I’ve not experienced Frozen Shoulder but I was very interested to read your detailed post. I hope you find some relief soon. x
Thank you, Sue. It does seem to be improving a little every day.
I’ve heard of it, but fortunately, not experienced it personally. I’ve not had a cortisol injection, although a lot of (non medical) people suggested I should when I had a bad dose of bursitis in my knee. But it slowly eased, and the subsequent arthroscopy op relieved the situation. I am, however, considering whether or not I want to go down the route of another knee (replacement this time) op.
I’ve had some good PT but also bad. As you say, it very much depends on the practitioner.
Good luck with your knee, Debs. My husband had a knee replacement and wasn’t sorry in the long run; though the recovery was a little rough at first. As I understand it, good PT plays an important role in the success of a knee replacement.
PS: forgot to say, I hope you have a full (and as painless) recovery as possible .
Thank you! So far, it’s going well. Fingers crossed!
The cortisone injection sounds ouchy, but 3 years waiting for it to thaw as the alternative sounds worse. I have a dodgy ankle that I waited too long to seek therapy for. Happy thawing!
Exactly, Joanne! Good luck with your ankle. I hope it’s not too serious.
I’m so glad your shoulders improving! I’ve never had a frozen shoulder, or even heard of it before you told me about it. I’ve had a cortisone shot that helped at first, but didn’t last. I’ve had physical therapy, but it didn’t seem to help me. I’m so glad yours is helping!
Thank you, sister. I am hoping by the time the cortisone shot wears off, the problem will be resolved. Fingers crossed!