Frozen Shoulder

Geisinger Sports Medicine - Get Back in the Game

• Mechanism of Injury
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Treatment
• Surgical Management
• Rehabilitation

Mechanism of Injury
A shoulder joint functions as a “ball and socket” joint, meaning the ball of the humerus bone (the arm bone) rests in the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade).  A frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and contracts, gradually limiting movement

 Athletes with a frozen shoulder may experience:

• Stiffness
• Restriction of shoulder motion
• Dull or aching pain
• Pain in the outer shoulder or upper arm

The condition of frozen shoulder is divided into stages which usually occur over a series of many months:

Stage 1 – Freezing stage, slow onset of pain and loss of motion
Stage 2 – Frozen stage, pain lessens, stiffness remains
Stage 3 – Thawing stage, shoulder range of motion is returned gradually

Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnosis of a frozen shoulder is done using symptom evaluation, physical examination, X-rays, and/or MRI testing.  With a frozen shoulder, movement is noticeably restricted. 

Treatment
Frozen shoulder:  Pain is minimized with anti-inflammatory medication, and treatment is centered on restoring range of motion gradually.  Moist heat and cortisone injections may be used to control inflammation and promote healing.

Surgical Management
Frozen shoulder:  Although the majority of injuries will heal with nonsurgical therapy, surgery may be recommended when rehabilitation efforts show little or no progress.  Surgery for frozen shoulder involves manipulation and relaxation of the contracted joint capsule.  Surgery can be performed arthroscopically or openly. 

Physical therapy following surgery is an important component of success and recovery. 

Rehabilitation
Frozen shoulder:  A physical therapist will guide you on how to gradually improve your range of motion through stretching and other exercises.  Goals are to increase joint motion and minimize or prevent muscle loss. 

At Geisinger Sports Medicine, we help athletes with  frozen shoulders recover with the best techniques modern medicine has to offer.  If you or your child sustains a shoulder injury, contact us today for an appointment at our state-of-the-art facility. 

• Injuries Treated
  1. ACL Reconstruction
  2. Ankle Sprains
  3. Dislocated Shoulder
  4. Frozen Shoulder
  5. Patella/Patella and Femoral
  6. Injuries
  7. Rotator Cuff Disorder
  8. Stress Fractures
  9. Primary Care Sports Medicine
  10. Meniscus
  11. Throwing Injuries
  12. Concussions
• Injury Programs
• Community Programs

Questions

* Required Field

Geisinger Sports Medicine Facility
1-866-414-4988
Orthopaedic Services-Woodbine Lane
Corner of Woodbine Lane & Route 11
Danville, PA 17822 MC 52-12

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
1-800-921-1467
1000 East Mountain Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Geisinger Medical Center
1-800-275-6401
100 N. Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822