Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder: Expert Care at The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists

Frozen shoulder affects approximately 2-5% of the general population, with the condition being prevalent among adults between the ages of 40 and 60. This painful shoulder condition can severely limit your daily activities and quality of life.

The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists are expert providers of non-surgical frozen shoulder treatment across the Atlanta Metro area. Our compassionate team understands how frozen shoulder can impact every aspect of your life, and we're here to help you find effective pain relief and restore your shoulder mobility.

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Understanding frozen shoulder causes and treatment options is the first step toward reclaiming your comfort and mobility.

What Is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. This condition creates significant pain and severely limits your shoulder's range of motion.

The shoulder joint capsule contains ligaments that connect your upper arm bone to your shoulder socket. When this capsule becomes inflamed and tight, it restricts movement and causes the characteristic 'frozen' feeling that gives this condition its name.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder:

Primary Risk Factors:

• Age between 40 and 60 years
• Diabetes (affects 30% of diabetic patients)
• Recent shoulder injury or surgery
• Prolonged shoulder immobilization

Secondary Contributing Factors:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder fractures
• Stroke
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart disease
• Previous shoulder surgeries

Women are more likely than men to develop frozen shoulder, though researchers are still studying why certain conditions increase risk.

Recognizing Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct stages, each with unique characteristics:

Stage 1: Freezing (6 weeks to 9 months)

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Progressive loss of range of motion
• Pain that worsens at night
• Difficulty with overhead activities

Stage 2: Frozen (2 to 6 months)

• Pain may decrease slightly
• Significant shoulder stiffness remains
• Severe limitation in daily activities
• Difficulty dressing or reaching

Stage 3: Thawing (6 months to 2 years)

• Gradual improvement in pain
• Slow return of shoulder mobility
• Progressive recovery of function
• Restoration of normal activities

Effective Frozen Shoulder Pain Relief Options

At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we are committed to helping patients find relief from frozen shoulders through evidence-based, non-surgical treatments that are both safe and effective. Our approach is designed to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and restore mobility, all without the need for surgery.

Corticosteroid Injections

A primary option for reducing inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint, corticosteroid  injections are administered with precision using fluoroscopic guidance. This technique ensures the medication reaches the affected area accurately, helping to decrease swelling and improve range of motion. Many patients experience significant symptom relief after these image-guided injections.

Nerve Blocks

When nerve irritation contributes to persistent shoulder discomfort, nerve blocks may be recommended. These injections work by interrupting pain signals traveling from the shoulder to the brain, offering both rapid and sustained relief. Nerve blocks can be an effective part of a broader pain management strategy, especially for patients whose pain is neuropathic in nature.

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)

In cases where shoulder pain may be referred from cervical or thoracic spinal issues, epidural steroid injections can help by targeting the nerves responsible for radiating pain. By reducing swelling and inflammation in the spine, these injections can indirectly support shoulder function and reduce overall discomfort

The Physicians' Approach to Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Our experienced team begins with a thorough evaluation, including:

• Comprehensive physical examination
• Review of your medical history
• Assessment of active and passive range of motion
• Conduct imaging tests like an MRI or X-ray when needed

Our team takes pride in customizing care plans based on each patient’s condition, health history, and response to treatment. By combining the latest in interventional pain techniques with attentive, individualized care, we help patients with frozen shoulders return to a more active and comfortable life.

Find the Top Doctor for Shoulder Pain in Atlanta, GA

Frozen shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, doesn't have to control your life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can achieve significant pain relief and restore your shoulder function. The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists are dedicated to helping you overcome frozen shoulder pain and regain your quality of life. Serving Sandy Springs, Stockbridge, Marietta, Calhoun, Rome, and Duluth, our experienced team provides compassionate, expert care using the most advanced non-surgical treatment options available.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief from Adhesive Capsulitis.

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