Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Disorders

Symptoms

The symptoms are primarily pain and a very reduced range of motion in the joint. The range of motion is the same whether your are trying to move the shoulder under your own power or if someone else is trying to raise the arm for you. There comes a point in each direction of movement where the motion simply stops as if there is something blocking the movement. The shoulder usually hurts when movement reaches the limit of the range of motion, and can be quite painful at night.

Phases of the Frozen Shoulder

Initially, a "freezing phase" occurs.

This is followed by a "frozen phase" and is completed by a "thawing phase". The time frame and the severity of these phases varies considerably.

Freezing or Painful Phase

Pain increases often to an intolerable level.

This phase may last for 6 months.

Frozen or Stiffness Phase

Pain decreases, but may still be present.

Loss of movement becomes more noticeable.

Lasts usually 4 - 12 months.

Thawing Phase

Pain subsides gradually.

Pain often aggrevated by minor injuries or excess activity.

Normally lasts 6 - 9 months.

The entire time frame of a frozen shoulder often lasts a year or longer, it may last as long as 3 years, causing stiffness and discomfort for that period of time.

Fortunately, it is very rare for the disorder to recur. Surprisingly, the non dominant shoulder is affected more than the dominant one. This disorder usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60 and 70% of the cases occur in women. It is not normally associated with calcium deposits or rotator cuff injuries.

Fortunately, a frozen shoulder is not often associated with arthritis or malignancies. However, there may be some association with thyroid disease, diabetes and other diseases. A thorough work-up for any disorder may be necessary if a frozen shoulder occurs.

Frozen Shoulder Home

Symptoms

Investigations

Treatment