Frozen Shoulder

Have you noticed a gradual loss of range of motion in your shoulder – even if you use your other arm to try to move it? You may have frozen shoulder.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue (capsule) around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, making movement of the shoulder stiff and painful. The capsule becomes thick and irritated due to scar tissue buildup in the shoulder. In many cases, frozen shoulder occurs following a period of immobility of the shoulder, such as when recovering from an injury or surgery. Frozen shoulder typically occurs in just one shoulder.

Who Is Affected?

Frozen shoulder typically affects men and women between the ages of 40 and 60, although women are more likely to develop the condition. People with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.

frozen shoulder

3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

The signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder appear in stages and usually resolve on its own within a few years. The three stages of frozen shoulder are:

  1. Freezing. Shoulder movement becomes painful over time and is worse at night. This stage may last up to 9 months.
  2. Frozen. Pain may decrease, but shoulder stiffness remains. This stage may last up to 6 months.
  3. Thawing. Shoulder movement begins to return, although shoulder pain can recur periodically. This stage may last up to 2 years.

A telltale symptom of frozen shoulder is pain and restricted movement of the shoulder, even when using assistance to move the affected arm. The pain may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. The shoulder may also feel like it is locked in place.

Minimally Invasive Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Treatment for frozen shoulder typically includes a combination of physical therapy, exercises, and medications. Surgery is rarely needed. With treatment, most people with frozen shoulder will eventually regain full range of motion in their shoulder.

The interventional radiologists at Florida Endovascular and Interventional offer a breakthrough treatment that can provide immediate, long-term relief for those with frozen shoulder.

Embolization for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis embolization) involves using a catheter threaded from an artery in the arm to the affected shoulder. Medication or tiny particles are released in the target location to slow the blood supply to the lining of the joint. This offers effective and long-lasting inflammation relief, which can relief the pain and restriction of movement common with frozen shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Miami Lakes, Plantation & Aventura, FL

Do you have frozen shoulder but don’t want to wait 1-3 years for it to resolve on its own? We’ve got you! The interventional radiologists at Florida Endovascular and Interventional in South Florida offer same-day minimally invasive embolization procedures to improve your shoulder function.

Call Florida Endovascular and Interventional at (786) 534-2555 to find out more – or request your appointment now. We look forward to seeing you at one of our three convenient South Florida locations in Miami Lakes, Plantation, and Aventura.