How to diagnose frozen shoulder

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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How is periarthritis of shoulder diagnosed? Periarthritis of shoulder is a self-limiting disease that mainly affects middle-aged and elderly women. The primary symptoms are pain in the shoulder accompanied by limited mobility of the shoulder joint. So how is periarthritis of shoulder diagnosed? Firstly, medical history is very important. Diagnosis is determined based on the medical history. Additionally, an MRI of the shoulder joint can be performed to clarify whether there is adhesion of the muscles and tendons within the joint, which causes limited mobility of the shoulder joint, in order to further confirm the diagnosis. Thus, the diagnosis of periarthritis of shoulder is based first on the medical history and the characteristics of the onset of the disease, and also on the MRI of the shoulder joint to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How is periarthritis of the shoulder treated?

Periarthritis of the shoulder refers to the symptoms of local pain and restricted movement caused by aseptic chronic inflammatory reactions in the tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules around the shoulder joint. Appropriate immobilization and rest are necessary when periarthritis of the shoulder occurs, and physical therapy methods such as infrared lamps and physiotherapy can be used to alleviate the local inflammatory response. It is also important to perform appropriate functional exercises to prevent the shoulder joint from becoming stiff due to prolonged immobilization. If the pain symptoms are severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications can be chosen for symptomatic treatment to relieve pain. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder refers to the aseptic inflammation of the joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons around the shoulder joint due to chronic strain. This results in localized pain and restricted mobility. Additionally, the shoulder joint is affected during active actions such as lifting, abducting, and extending. During passive lifting activities, the pain may worsen. Also, pain is notably more severe at rest during the night. In the morning, there can be joint stiffness, which may ease after some movement, reducing both stiffness and pain.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How to treat periarthritis of the shoulder?

Periarthritis of the shoulder generally refers to the aseptic inflammation around the shoulder joint, which is common in middle-aged and elderly women. It is caused by chronic strain of the shoulder joint, affecting the surrounding muscles, tendons, joint capsules, and ligaments. First, it is important to rest and you can promote blood circulation around the area with appropriate physiotherapy, such as hot compresses and acupuncture, to facilitate the repair of the damaged area. At the same time, appropriate exercise should be carried out to avoid stiffness of the joint that can occur with prolonged immobility or passive restraint.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Where does periarthritis of the shoulder hurt?

Usually, patients with periarthritis of the shoulder mainly exhibit pain around the shoulder joint area, and severe cases may affect the normal function of lifting the shoulder. This is mainly due to long periods of excessive fatigue, friction, and irritation, causing aseptic inflammation around the shoulder area, which manifests as pain. Common treatments aim to alleviate the patient's pain symptoms. For instance, topical ointments that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis can be used, as well as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications to ease patient's pain. For cases with specific pain points, localized injections can also be performed, along with functional exercises such as wall climbing actions to exercise the mobility of the shoulder joint and prevent joint stiffness.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Exercises for Periarthritis of the Shoulder

For the exercise methods of periarthritis of the shoulder, there are various exercise methods for patients with periarthritis of the shoulder in clinical practice. For instance, it is appropriate to gradually perform exercises such as pull-ups, but it is important to progress slowly and not be too vigorous at once, as this may cause potential damage to the shoulder joint capsule. Another exercise involves the "wall-crawling" movement to enhance the mobility of the shoulder joint and prevent stiffness. Additionally, for patients with severe pain from periarthritis of the shoulder, some medical treatments can be combined, such as using topical plasters that activate blood circulation and relieve stasis, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs, as well as local treatments like heat application, small needle knife therapy, or injection therapy.