Frozen shoulder is a painful and limiting movement disorder in the shoulder joint that can last for months or even years. This condition usually occurs due to inflammation, stiffness and adhesion of tissues around the shoulder joint and is more common in people aged 40 to 60. Is frozen shoulder a serious disease? Yes, this complication is a serious and clinical musculoskeletal disease that can lead to shoulder functional disability without proper treatment. In this disease, the capsular tissue of the shoulder joint thickens and causes a decrease in range of motion, chronic pain, and disruption in daily activities. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are: - Gradual or sudden pain in the shoulder area - Severe stiffness of the shoulder joint - Reducing active and passive range of motion Difficulty performing simple movements such as raising the arm - Worsening of pain at night or while resting Read more: Causes and treatment of shoulder tingling Why does the shoulder get frostbite? The main causes of this condition are not yet fully known; But some of the most important underlying factors are: - Shoulder immobility after surgery or injury - Metabolic problems such as diabetes - Thyroid disorders - Neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's) - Heart disease or stroke - History of frozen shoulder on the opposite side What are the steps and how long does it take? This disease usually progresses in three stages: ### First step: Start - Progressive pain and reduced movements - It usually lasts between 6 weeks and 9 months. #### Second stage: Freezing - pain decreases; But the stiffness remains. - The duration of 4 to 6 months ### The third stage: healing or melting - The range of motion gradually returns. - It lasts between 6 months and 2 years. Who is more susceptible to frozen shoulder? High-risk groups include: - People aged 40 to 60 - Women (2 times more than men) - Patients with diabetes or hypothyroidism - People who have not moved their shoulder for a while. - Those who have had chest, arm or heart surgery. What is the treatment? Common non-surgical treatments: - Physiotherapy and regular stretching exercises - Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids - Use of hot compress and massage - Use of physiotherapy devices such as ultrasound or TENS ### Aggressive treatments in resistant cases: - Nerve block injection to control pain - Moving the shoulder under anesthesia - shoulder arthroscopy; Surgical release of the adhesive capsule Useful exercises to improve this condition in the shoulder ### Some simple but effective home exercises: - Pendulum movement of the shoulder - Wall stretching with fingers - Raising a stick or cane horizontally - Stretching with a light resistance band Related content: shoulder dislocation Note: Exercises should be started under the supervision of a physiotherapist and performed regularly. Home treatment for frozen shoulder ### Hot and cold compresses: - Heat before exercise to relax muscles - Cold after exercise or during severe pain ### Simple daily exercises: - Pandoli comb - Raising hands on the wall - Stretching with a stick or towel Repetition: 1 to 2 times a day, 5 to 10 repetitions each time, without severe pain ### Nutrition and lifestyle: - Consumption of anti-inflammatory foods (such as fish, turmeric and vegetables) - Sufficient sleep and avoiding inactivity - Staying hydrated Care tips: - Not sleeping on a painful shoulder - Using a pillow under the arm - Avoid sudden or heavy movements If the pain becomes severe or does not improve after a few weeks, be sure to see physical therapy. Can this complication be prevented? Yes, the following tips will help prevent: - Maintaining shoulder mobility after surgery or injury - Doing daily light stretching exercises - Control of diabetes and hormonal disorders - Early visit to the doctor in case of pain or stiffness Does frozen shoulder have complications? In the absence of proper treatment, it may suffer from: - Permanent reduction of range of motion - Weakness of the muscles around the shoulder - Disturbance in sleep and daily activities - The need for invasive surgery in severe cases