A frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) starts with inflammation of the capsule around the shoulder joint, which then thickens and tightens. Pain comes first, often worst at night; then the stiffness sets in, and lifting, reaching or a swimming stroke becomes hard. It is more common in people with diabetes and thyroid problems, and in people in their forties to sixties.
At Indiranagar, Dr. Vithal Kulkarni, our interventional pain physician, brings ultrasound-guided injections and targeted nerve blocks to the treatment. The aim is to reduce the pain enough for stretching to move the shoulder. Treatment may combine an ultrasound-guided injection into the joint with a nerve block, followed by physiotherapy. When there is also a rotator cuff problem, as there often is in swimmers, tennis players and golfers, PRP may be part of the plan.
For active patients, the plan also covers when you can go back to swimming, racquet sports or the gym, and how to build back up.
