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Frozen Shoulder: More Than Just Aging Aches
9 Jun
Summary
- Frozen shoulder causes painful stiffness and limits movement.
- Women over 50 are disproportionately affected by this condition.
- Treatment includes physical therapy, medication, and home care.
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, leads to increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, progressively restricting movement over time. This condition develops in three distinct phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing, with the entire cycle typically spanning one to two years.
Women between 40 and 60, especially those over 50, are more susceptible, often experiencing this during hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Declining estrogen can impact tissue elasticity and inflammation, potentially triggering or worsening frozen shoulder.
Effective treatment involves physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. Home-based strategies include gentle stretching, heat application, ice after activity, staying hydrated, and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.
Prompt medical evaluation is essential to manage stiffness and restore shoulder function. Experts emphasize that women should not dismiss persistent shoulder pain as a normal part of aging, as early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
