[Hinews] [Physician's Column] By Dr. Taedong Jang, Director of the Joint Center at Seoul Ace Hospital

When you reach to change clothes in the morning and your arm won’t lift, or a sudden pain strikes as you move it backward, it’s tempting to dismiss the discomfort as simple muscle soreness. But persistent pain that restricts movement may point to a condition known as frozen shoulder. Though commonly associated with those in their 50s—hence the name—it’s increasingly seen in people in their 40s and those over 60, driven by factors like stress and poor posture.

Medically termed adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder involves inflammation of the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder. This inflammation causes the capsule to thicken and form adhesions, progressively stiffening the joint and limiting its range of motion. The result is pain and restricted movement, particularly when lifting or rotating the arm. The condition often develops gradually, starting with mild stiffness or discomfort that’s easy to overlook in its early stages.

Dr. Taedong Jang, Director of the Joint Center at Seoul Ace Hospital, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis for frozen shoulder to prevent long-term mobility issues.
Dr. Taedong Jang, Director of the Joint Center at Seoul Ace Hospital, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis for frozen shoulder to prevent long-term mobility issues.

Hallmark symptoms include pain when raising the arm and a restricted range of motion beyond a certain angle. Everyday tasks like washing your hair or fastening a bra can become challenging. The pain often worsens at night, disrupting sleep. If one shoulder shows a clear difference in mobility compared to the other or if pain prevents movement beyond a specific range, a thorough medical evaluation is warranted.

Treatment typically begins with non-surgical approaches. Medications and physical therapy are standard, while severe cases may require intra-articular injections to deliver medication directly into the joint. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has also gained traction, using targeted shockwaves to boost blood flow, promote tissue regeneration, and alleviate pain. Most patients see significant improvement with these conservative measures.

In cases where the condition becomes chronic or doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments, or when joint adhesions are severe, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic procedures, such as capsular release or adhesion debridement, involve cutting or removing the adhesions to restore mobility. Post-surgical rehabilitation, including consistent physical therapy, is critical for functional recovery.

Frozen shoulder may seem like routine shoulder pain, but ignoring it risks permanent loss of motion. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential. People in their 50s often attribute shoulder pain to aging, but if symptoms persist, consulting a medical professional is advisable.
The shoulder is one of the body’s most frequently used joints and plays a significant role in quality of life. The longer you endure restricted movement, the more time and effort recovery demands. If shoulder pain recurs or limits your motion, don’t ignore it—seek a prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.

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