Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Treatment in Louisiana
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a gradual stiffening of the shoulder that develops over time, often without a clear cause. It can make it hard to reach, dress, sleep, and stay as active as you like. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA relieve frozen shoulder pain and restore motion.
Request an AppointmentWhat Happens in Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a flexible capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight, and bands of scar tissue form. The space inside the joint shrinks, which limits how far the arm can move and causes pain.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
- Freezing stage: Pain gradually increases and shoulder motion becomes limited. This stage can last several months.
- Frozen stage: Pain may ease, but stiffness remains and daily tasks become difficult.
- Thawing stage: Range of motion slowly improves over months to years.
Who Is at Risk?
Frozen shoulder is most common in adults between 40 and 60 and occurs more often in women. Risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disease, recent shoulder injury or surgery, and long periods of shoulder immobility, such as after a fracture or stroke.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment aims to control pain and restore movement as quickly as possible. A glenohumeral joint injection places anti-inflammatory medication directly into the shoulder joint, often providing significant relief and making stretching easier. A subacromial injection may also be helpful in some cases. Injections work best when combined with a consistent physical therapy and home stretching program.
Trigger point injections can ease the tight, painful muscles that often develop around a stiff shoulder. When appropriate, we also provide careful pain medication management. Learn about other causes of shoulder pain, including Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder and rotator cuff tears, and explore our shoulder and arm pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shoulder Treatment
What causes frozen shoulder?
The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and tight, often without a clear cause. Diabetes, thyroid problems, and shoulder immobility increase the risk.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Without treatment, frozen shoulder can last one to three years. Treatment can reduce pain and speed recovery of motion.
Do injections help frozen shoulder?
Yes. Glenohumeral joint injections can reduce pain and inflammation so stretching and therapy are more effective.
Should I keep moving my frozen shoulder?
Yes. Gentle, guided stretching is important to restore motion. Your provider and therapist will show you safe exercises.
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff tear?
No. Frozen shoulder causes stiffness in all directions, while a rotator cuff tear usually causes weakness and pain with certain movements.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients improve without surgery. Procedures are considered only when stiffness persists despite treatment.
Where can I get frozen shoulder treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats frozen shoulder at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Unlock Your Stiff Shoulder
Get help restoring motion and easing pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.