Frozen Shoulder

Comprehensive Care

Our team of orthopedic surgeons at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute offers the most specialized expertise in shoulder care of any orthopedic center in the D.C. area. Our specialists are fellowship-trained in advanced shoulder surgery and are dedicated specifically to treating shoulder pain and conditions.

Your orthopedist will spend time with you to determine the cause of your condition, making sure that you know all of your treatment options before proceeding. We specialize in the most advanced surgeries to help you regain your strength and range of motion after experiencing a shoulder injury.

What is frozen shoulder?

This condition occurs when the capsule of connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder thickens and contracts, leading to stiffness and pain from restricted movement. Because the shoulder is needed for everyday movements, as well as for participation in sports, frozen shoulder can often lower a person’s quality of life and cause ongoing pain.

What are the causes?

The condition generally affects adults ages 40 to 60 and can be caused by diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiac disease

Frozen shoulder may also be the result of immobilizing your shoulder for too long after an injury, which is why a vital part of any recovery is physical therapy.

What are the symptoms?

Frozen shoulder may cause any of the symptoms below, which warrant a visit to a specialist:

• Shoulder pain
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder
• Feeling that shoulder is “stuck” in place
• Soreness
• Stiffness

How is it diagnosed?

The orthopedic physicians at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute are experts at diagnosing the full range of shoulder problems. An initial exam may include:

• Medical history evaluation – Your orthopedist will ask you questions about when your pain began, whether it affects one or both shoulders, and when the pain feels most severe. Other questions may be about previous injuries, whether you have other medical problems, and if you take any medications.
• Physical exam – Your orthopedist will examine your shoulder and arm to evaluate your pain, strength, and range of motion.
• Imaging tests – Your doctor may want to examine the bones and joints surrounding the shoulder using X-rays.

What are the best treatment options?

In most cases, our experts at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute can help you regain full range of motion, as well as offer frozen shoulder pain management using one or a combination of these conservative treatments:

• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Anti-inflammatory or pain medication

In cases where the pain is more severe or damage is more complex, we may recommend arthroscopic surgery to release the tight tissue and help you regain shoulder movement.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, call 202-295-0511 to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute. Our doctors have years of experience diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries and are pleased to offer comprehensive care in the Washington, D.C. area.