Useful Insights About The Stiff Shoulder Condition: What the Data Tells Us

Living with a stiff, painful shoulder can feel isolating, but you’re far from alone. Frozen shoulder, known to doctors as adhesive capsulitis, affects millions of people worldwide, causing significant pain and restricting everyday movements. By looking at the research, we can uncover helpful insights into how common it is, who is most at risk, and what the recovery journey truly looks like.

A Brief Look Back in Time

The condition has been recognized for centuries! It was first formally described by French physician Dr. Duplay in 1872 [1]. Decades later, in 1934, the now-famous term "frozen shoulder" was coined by the renowned shoulder specialist, Ernest Codman [2]. His work laid the foundation for how we understand this condition today.

The Everyday Tasks That Freeze With Your Shoulder

A frozen shoulder isn't just an inconvenience; it actively interferes with your daily life. Research and patient experiences highlight very specific difficulties, such as:

• Dressing: The simple act of putting on a shirt, top, or kurta becomes a painful challenge when you try to lift your arm.

• Grooming & Hygiene: Reaching to brush your hair or wash your back is often impossible.

• Personal Care: Accessing a back pocket for a wallet or struggling to fasten a bra are common frustrations.

• Getting Dressed: Any clothing that must be pulled over the head is a major hurdle.

• Footwear: Even the simple task of bending over to put on shoes can provoke pain.

By the Numbers: Prevalence and Treatment Outcomes

Data helps us see the bigger picture. Studies show that frozen shoulder affects approximately 2-5% of the general population [4]. Certain groups, like people with diabetes or those over 40, are more susceptible. One survey revealed that while 69% of people are aware of the condition, only about 39% believe it significantly impacts individuals over 60 [4]—highlighting a need for greater awareness across all age groups.

The good news is that treatment is effective. Research on common interventions shows promising success rates:

• Physical Therapy: When started early, it improves outcomes in 75–85% of cases.

• Steroid Injections: Provide significant pain relief for 60–70% of patients, which can help them engage more effectively in physiotherapy.

• Hydrodilatation: This procedure, where fluid is injected to stretch the joint capsule, shows impressive improvement rates of 80-90%.

• Surgery: Thankfully, only a small fraction (5-10%) of cases require surgical intervention, typically when progress stalls in the "Frozen" stage [5].

(https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/frozen-shoulder/ )

The Cornerstone of Care: Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment and is crucial for a successful rehabilitation. It's not just about exercise; it's a guided process to ease stiffness and pain, slowly restoring mobility through regulated, progressive activities.

A skilled physiotherapist doesn't use a one-size-fits-all approach. They customize your treatment plan based on whether you are in the painful "Freezing," stiff "Frozen," or recovering "Thawing" phase, ensuring you receive the right care at each step of your journey.

A Condition of Hope and Recovery

Research consistently shows that while frozen shoulders can be a severe and long-lasting condition, the vast majority of patients improve over time. Early intervention is key. Pursuing effective treatment, especially physical therapy, makes a profound difference in outcomes and can significantly accelerate recovery. Understanding these evidence-based insights empowers both patients and healthcare professionals to make smart, informed decisions about treatment plans.

References:

1. Duplay, S. (1872). De la péri-arthrite scapulo-humérale. Revue Practique d'Orthepédie.

2. Codman, E. A. (1934). The Shoulder: Rupture of the Supraspinatus Tendon and Other Lesions in or about the Subacromial Bursa.

3. [Link to your previous blog on stages]

4. Bahrain Medical Bulletin, December 2022.

5. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo.