FROZEN SHOULDER TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
MBBS (S'pore), FRCEd (General Surgery),
FAMS (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Persistent shoulder pain and stiffness can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, getting dressed or lifting objects increasingly difficult. While these symptoms often develop gradually, they should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. In some cases, they may be associated with frozen shoulder, a condition that most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60.
Because shoulder pain and restricted movement can occur in a range of shoulder conditions, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important. Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment to preserve shoulder mobility and function.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule gradually becomes inflamed, thickened and tightened. The shoulder capsule is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint and helps support smooth movement.
As the capsule becomes less flexible, shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted. This can lead to pain, stiffness and difficulty performing everyday activities such as reaching overhead, fastening clothing, driving or lifting objects.
Frozen shoulder may develop without an obvious cause, but it can also occur following a shoulder injury, surgery or a period of prolonged shoulder immobility.
What Are the Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder?
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing the condition.
Age
Frozen shoulder is most commonly seen in adults between the ages of 40 and 60.
Prolonged Immobility
Keeping the shoulder immobilised for an extended period following an injury, surgery or fracture may increase the risk of developing stiffness and frozen shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Individuals with rotator cuff injuries may be more susceptible to a frozen shoulder due to pain-related reduction in shoulder movement.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulder compared to the general population.
Thyroid Disorders
Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions have been associated with an increased incidence of frozen shoulder.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Certain cardiovascular conditions have been linked to a higher likelihood of developing adhesive capsulitis.
Tuberculosis
Although uncommon, tuberculosis has been identified as a potential risk factor for frozen shoulder.
Stroke
Following a stroke, reduced arm movement and muscle weakness may increase the likelihood of shoulder stiffness and frozen shoulder.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder symptoms often develop gradually and typically worsen over time before eventually improving.
Pain and Stiffness
Persistent shoulder pain accompanied by increasing stiffness is one of the hallmark symptoms of frozen shoulder.
Symptoms Following a Minor Injury
Some individuals notice symptoms developing after a seemingly minor shoulder injury or a period of reduced shoulder use.
Varying Pain Intensity
Pain may range from a dull ache to more severe discomfort and is often worse at night or when attempting certain movements.
Movement Restrictions
As the condition progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to raise the arm, reach overhead or move the shoulder behind the back.
What Are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct stages. The duration and severity of each stage can vary from person to person.
Freezing Stage
During the freezing stage, shoulder pain gradually increases and movement becomes progressively restricted. Everyday activities may become increasingly uncomfortable. This stage typically lasts between six and nine months.
Frozen Stage
Pain often begins to stabilise or improve during this stage, but stiffness becomes more pronounced. Restricted movement can make dressing, grooming and other daily activities challenging. This stage may last between four and 12 months.
Thawing Stage
During the thawing stage, shoulder mobility gradually improves and pain continues to diminish. Recovery is often gradual and may occur over several months.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing frozen shoulder typically involves a review of your symptoms, medical history and any previous shoulder injuries or medical conditions. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to assess your shoulder's range of motion and function.
In some cases, imaging tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
X-Rays
X-rays do not show the shoulder capsule itself but can help exclude other causes of shoulder pain and stiffness, such as arthritis, fractures or bone abnormalities.MRI Scans or Ultrasound
MRI scans and ultrasound imaging provide detailed views of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder, including the tendons, ligaments and joint structures. These investigations may be used to identify associated conditions such as rotator cuff injuries or to exclude other causes of shoulder symptoms.
Consult Dr Yung Shing Wai to discuss treatment options for improving shoulder mobility and relieving pain.
Call 6235 5225 today.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve shoulder mobility and minimise stiffness. The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of symptoms and the stage of the condition.
Conservative Treatment
Many patients experience improvement with non-surgical treatment, particularly when intervention begins early.
Physiotherapy
Targeted stretches and exercises can help to improve the range of motion of the shoulder.Pain and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
These aid in reducing pain and inflammation for symptomatic relief.Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary pain relief and help reduce inflammation within the shoulder joint.
Interventional Treatment
Interventional procedures may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate conservative treatment.
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)
MUA involves gently moving the shoulder through its range of motion while the patient is under anaesthesia. The aim is to break up adhesions and improve mobility. Benefits include improved movement and pain reduction, although risks include fracture, dislocation and soft tissue injury. Physiotherapy begins shortly after the procedure to maintain gains in motion.Arthroscopic Capsular Release Surgery (ACR)
ACR is a minimally invasive procedure performed using a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through tiny incisions. Tight portions of the shoulder capsule are carefully released to improve movement. Benefits include targeted treatment and faster recovery compared to open surgery. Physiotherapy remains essential after surgery to prevent recurrent stiffness.
Regain Shoulder Mobility and Function with Dr Yung Shing Wai
Frozen shoulder can gradually affect your ability to work, exercise and carry out everyday activities comfortably. While the condition often improves over time, early treatment may help manage symptoms, maintain mobility and support recovery.
At SW Yung Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore, Dr Yung Shing Wai provides comprehensive care for frozen shoulder, ranging from physiotherapy-guided management to advanced arthroscopic procedures when required. Having completed a shoulder surgery fellowship in the USA, he has extensive experience managing frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions.
If frozen shoulder symptoms are affecting your comfort and movement, schedule a consultation with Dr Yung to explore your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Frozen Shoulder
Can frozen shoulder be prevented?
−Frozen shoulder cannot always be prevented. However, maintaining shoulder movement after an injury or surgery and following rehabilitation recommendations may help reduce the risk of developing significant stiffness.
When should I consider interventional or surgical treatments for frozen shoulder?
+Can frozen shoulder come back after it has healed?
+Is it safe to exercise with a frozen shoulder?
+Are there ways to prevent stiffness from worsening during daily activities?
+With over 30 years of experience and fellowship training in shoulder surgery, Dr Yung has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of frozen shoulder.
Call 6235 5225 today to discuss your treatment options.
Meet Our Frozen Shoulder Specialist in Singapore
Dr Yung Shing Wai
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic, Foot and Shoulder Surgery
MBBS (S'pore), FRCEd (General Surgery),
FAMS (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Dr Yung Shing Wai is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in shoulder surgery. Having completed his subspecialty fellowship training in the United States and served as Head of the Shoulder Service at Singapore General Hospital, he has extensive experience managing frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions. His approach focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility and helping patients return to their daily activities.
