what is frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint and causes stiffness and pain. It occurs when the connective tissue enclosing the joint thickens and tightens, and thick bands of tissue called adhesions develop. The capsule of the shoulder joint has ligaments that hold the shoulder together, and when it becomes inflamed, it can lead to frozen shoulder. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not known, but it is more likely to happen after keeping a shoulder still for a long period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture. People who have certain diseases such as diabetes, overactive or underactive thyroid, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinsons disease appear more likely to develop frozen shoulder. The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness that make it difficult or impossible to move the shoulder. Frozen shoulder can usually be treated with physical therapy, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint or arthroscopic surgery may be needed to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.