The term “Frozen Shoulder” is familiar to many people, but there are several myths about this condition. Before addressing those myths, it’s important to understand what frozen shoulder actually is. You can check out Dr. Preetesh Choudhary's video on Frozen Shoulder for more information.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis or periarthritis of the shoulder, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the shoulder joint. It happens when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, forming thick bands of tissue and reducing the amount of synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This leads to restricted movement and significant discomfort.

Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages:

1. Freezing stage: Pain and loss of motion.
2. Frozen stage: Stiffness with less pain.
3. Thawing stage: Gradual improvement in movement.

A shoulder pain doctor focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is also crucial for stretching and strengthening the shoulder to improve its range of motion. In severe cases where conservative treatments don’t work, surgery, such as shoulder arthroscopy, may be considered to release the tight capsule and restore mobility.

Uncovering the Truth Behind Common Myths About Frozen Shoulder

Myth 1: Frozen shoulder only affects older adults.
A common belief is that frozen shoulder only happens to older people. While it is more likely to develop as you age, people of all ages can get it. Younger individuals can also be at risk, especially if they have certain medical conditions, injuries, or stay immobile for a long time.

Myth 2: Frozen shoulder can’t be entirely prevented.
Since the exact cause of frozen shoulder is still unknown, it can't be completely prevented. However, you can reduce complications by regularly doing exercises and stretches to ease stiffness and pain. Just be careful not to overdo it and stick to exercises within your comfort level.

Myth 3: Frozen shoulder is just temporary stiffness.
Many people think frozen shoulder is only temporary stiffness that will go away on its own. In reality, while some improvement can happen over time, recovery can be slow, taking several months or even years. Without prompt treatment from a shoulder pain doctor, the condition may lead to ongoing pain, loss of movement, and muscle weakness, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Early treatment is essential to manage symptoms effectively and restore movement.

Myth 4: Cold weather causes frozen shoulder.
Some believe that cold weather leads to frozen shoulder, but that's not true. The term "frozen" refers to the stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder joint, not temperature. The exact cause is still unclear but likely involves inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule, which restricts movement.

Myth 5: Surgery is not the first treatment for frozen shoulder.
Dr. Preetesh Choudhary usually suggests starting with conservative treatments, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to improve flexibility through stretching. Steroid injections may also be used to relieve symptoms. However, if these methods don’t help, surgery might be needed, especially during the “frozen” stage. This typically involves shoulder arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue and release the stiff joint capsule.

Myth 6: Painkillers alone can cure frozen shoulder.
Some people think that painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications are enough to treat frozen shoulder. While these can help with pain and swelling, they don’t fix the underlying issue or improve joint movement. Effective treatment usually combines pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Myth 7: Rest is the best treatment for frozen shoulder.
While resting might seem like a good way to handle the pain of frozen shoulder, too much immobility can actually make it worse. Gentle exercises and stretching are important to keep the joint moving and prevent further stiffness. Physical therapy is a crucial part of treatment, helping to restore movement and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

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