Frozen Shoulder
Knoxville’s Best Choice for Frozen Shoulder Surgery in Eastern Tennessee
Frozen Shoulder
Subspecialties
- Shoulder Surgery
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Dislocated Shoulder
- Frozen Shoulder
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Fractures
- Shoulder Revision
- Shoulder Resurfacing
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Advanced Non-Surgical Shoulder Technology
- Advanced Shoulder Surgery Technology
WHAT CAUSES A FROZEN SHOULDER?
Frozen shoulder is caused when the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the shoulder joint become squeezed too tightly by the capsule of connective tissue that surrounds them. This happens when the capsule tissue thickens and tightens, usually after a long period of inactivity.
Many times, a frozen shoulder starts when the shoulder joint is immobilized for a long time, such as when a person is recovering from shoulder surgery or a mastectomy. Without regular movement to keep the shoulder joint flexible, the connective tissue in the shoulder becomes inflexible, restricting movement and causing pain.
FROZEN SHOULDER SYMPTOMS
Frozen shoulder symptoms tend to come on slowly and increase over time. Frozen shoulder is barely noticeable at first, with pain and decreased lack of motion slowly increasing until the shoulder is frozen in place. This process generally happens over several months.
The first sign of a frozen shoulder may be having trouble with daily activities because your shoulder won’t allow your arm to move as it should. Eventually, the pain and stiffness progress into not being able to sleep at night because of the pain and not being able to move your shoulder into a comfortable position. Night pain is a frequent complaint of people with a frozen shoulder.
WHO’S AT RISK?
People who have to keep their shoulder immobilized for a long period, such as while recovering from shoulder surgery, are most likely to experience frozen shoulder. But sometimes, it can come on out of the blue with no apparent cause.
Some risk factors for frozen shoulder include:
- Being female
- Having diabetes
- Being age 40 or older
- Over- or under-active thyroid
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiovascular disease
FROZEN SHOULDER TREATMENT OPTIONS
At Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance, we always begin frozen shoulder treatment with physical therapy, which is aimed at restoring motion in the shoulder. At-home and in-office physical therapy may also be combined with steroid injections as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and increase mobility in the joint.
If physical therapy doesn’t restore healthy movement and range of motion in the shoulder joint, surgery may be the right option. With frozen shoulder surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will go inside the shoulder joint and release scar tissue that’s causing the frozen shoulder.
READY TO FIND RELIEF FOR YOUR FROZEN SHOULDER?
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance treats frozen shoulder patients in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee. With offices in Sevierville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, and Knoxville, our board-certified orthopedic specialists are nearby, to help you get the care you need without traveling far from home. Schedule your appointment today, and get on the road to recovery faster.
We provide our patients with More Locations and Convenient Care in East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City and Sevierville.
Frozen Shoulder FAQ
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful due to inflammation and tightening of the connective tissue surrounding it. This results in limited mobility and discomfort.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder can develop after an injury, surgery, or period of shoulder immobilization. It is also more common in individuals with diabetes, thyroid disease, and certain inflammatory conditions. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the Common Symptoms?
Patients typically experience a gradual increase in shoulder pain followed by a noticeable loss of range of motion. Activities like lifting the arm overhead, reaching behind the back, or sleeping on the affected side may become difficult or painful.
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Initial treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving motion through physical therapy, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, steroid injections or hydrodilation may help reduce inflammation. Most patients improve with conservative treatment.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is considered if symptoms do not improve with non-surgical care over time. During the procedure, the surgeon releases tight tissue around the shoulder joint to restore movement. This is typically followed by structured physical therapy to maintain improved motion.
Our Shoulder Surgeons
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