If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, the most common shoulder injury that many associate with a torn rotator cuff. It can be difficult to determine whether you have a torn rotator cuff or possibly another shoulder injury, like a frozen shoulder. Both conditions can cause significant discomfort and limit your range of motion. However, there are key differences between the two that can dictate your treatment plan and healing. An orthopedic specialist at OrthoOIC can assess your shoulder pain and symptoms to decide the best treatment for frozen shoulder a torn rotator cuff.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. The symptoms of frozen shoulder include stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and thickens, restricting movement. Patients experiencing frozen shoulder have difficulty lifting the affected arm, reaching behind the back, and sleeping on the affected side.
Frozen shoulder symptoms often progress through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. The freezing stage includes a gradual onset of symptoms of frozen shoulder, including stiffness and pain that may worsen over time, limiting range of motion. In the frozen stage, the smallest movement can be excruciatingly painful and your range of motion is almost eliminated. As the pain and stiffness gradually begin to improve and range of motion slowly returns to normal, this is the thawing stage. The thawing stage of frozen shoulder can take several months.
The goal of treatment for frozen shoulder is to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Most cases of frozen shoulder resolve on their own over time, but treatment can help speed up the recovery process. Common treatment options for frozen shoulder include pain relievers to help manage pain and inflammation. Cortisone shots can also help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
The benefits of cortisone shots include direct targeting to the area of inflammation for nearly immediate pain relief. While cortisone shots are not a permanent fix, they do provide long lasting effects that can be felt for week and months. They are also a treatment option for frozen shoulder that can be maintained as long as the healing process takes. The overall goal for treatments of frozen shoulder is to regain range of motion in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating condition, but with consistent treatment, most people experience significant improvement over time.
A torn rotator cuff occurs when one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff tears. The rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint. This common shoulder injury can happen due to sudden impact, overuse, or age-related degeneration.
The pain felt from a torn rotator cuff is often felt in the front or side of the shoulder. The symptoms of a torn rotator cuff may include weakness, especially when lifting. Patients with a torn rotator cuff also have difficulty raising the affected arm above the head or reaching behind the back. Often, the pain may worsen with overhead activities or at night. Feeling a popping or clicking in the shoulder is also a symptom of a torn rotator cuff.
If you suspect that you may have a frozen shoulder or a torn rotator cuff, schedule a convenient appointment with OrthoOIC in Arlington, Virginia. Our orthopedic specialists can assess your shoulder pain and diagnose frozen shoulder vs. a torn rotator cuff. Treating your shoulder pain symptoms appropriately will help your healing process, reducing pain and returning range of motion to the shoulder. Contact OrthoOIC for assessment of your shoulder pain today.