Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Kansas City, MO


Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which there is stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition commonly occurs in those with diabetes, and in those who had an injury that may have immobilized their shoulder for some time.

Fill out our Secure Intake Form: Let's Get Started

What are the first signs of frozen shoulder?

This is a condition that will need to be treated as soon and as early as possible, so the joint doesn’t completely “freeze”, leaving some with little ability to move their arm.

The following are early signs of the condition:

  • Pain in the shoulder any time it is moved
  • Stiffness that makes it difficult to move the joint
  • Pain in the upper arm
  • Unable to sleep on the side with shoulder pain
  • Difficulty sleeping

Frozen shoulder causes

Frozen shoulder commonly begins with a shoulder injury that limits the range of motion. The pain from an injury can cause immobility, especially if a sling is used, causing a frozen shoulder.

Below are some other causes of frozen shoulder:

  • Stroke
  • Recovery from surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Overactive or underactive thyroid
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Tuberculosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

The stages of frozen shoulder

  • Freezing stage – When any movement in your shoulder causes pain, and your range of motion starts to become limited.
  • Frozen stage – When pain may begin to diminish, however, the shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it may become more difficult.
  • Thawing stage – When the range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve.

Treatments and exercises for frozen shoulder

Most frozen shoulders get better with the help of pain management, physical therapy, and time within twelve to eighteen months. But for some of the more persistent cases, patients can explore other options such as:

  • Steroid injections
  • Joint distension
  • Shoulder manipulation
  • Surgery

Frozen Shoulder Doctors

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Orthopedic Health of Kansas City and make an appointment with one of our Kansas City shoulder specialists. They will perform a complete examination, diagnosing and ultimately treating any problem involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints. From simple physical therapy to complicated surgery, you’re in good hands with Orthopedic Health of Kansas City and we will do what it takes to get you active again.