The number of middle-aged individuals experiencing restricted shoulder movement and pain is on the rise as the year comes to a close. Many report a sudden stiffness after a break from exercise due to holiday gatherings. This is often linked to colder weather and reduced shoulder use during festive periods. Prolonged sitting or squatting can exacerbate these symptoms, potentially leading to a more pronounced case of frozen shoulder.
Winter Doesn’t *Cause* Frozen Shoulder—It Reveals It
Adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition where the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, limiting movement and causing pain.
- Frozen shoulder is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule.
- While common in those aged 40-50, the age of onset is decreasing.
- Symptoms often worsen in winter due to cold weather and decreased activity.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.
Winter isn’t necessarily “the season of frozen shoulder,” but it’s often when the condition becomes noticeably worse. Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, develops when the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed, thickens, and tightens, restricting movement and causing pain. Though frequently seen in people in their 40s and 50s, the age at which it appears is trending downward.
Frozen shoulder frequently develops without a specific injury or obvious cause, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact trigger. However, symptoms typically progress gradually and become more apparent during certain times, influenced by factors like age, underlying health conditions, and reduced shoulder use. While discomfort may be minimal at other times of the year, the combination of cold weather and decreased activity during winter often brings symptoms to the forefront, causing stiffness and increased pain.
Kim Won-jun, CEO of Pangyo Saeroton Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic (a rehabilitation medicine specialist), explained, “If you experience difficulty lifting your arm overhead, have limited shoulder range of motion, feel sharp, recurring pain, or are awakened by pain at night, you should consider the possibility of frozen shoulder.”
Director Kim emphasized, “If you’re experiencing these movement limitations, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis rather than dismissing it as simple muscle soreness or temporary discomfort.” He further explained that frozen shoulder progresses through three stages: the painful stage, the freezing stage, and the thawing stage. “In our rehabilitation department, we manage pain with medication and injections during the initial inflammatory phase, then provide non-surgical, step-by-step treatment to restore joint range of motion and function.”
Director Kim added, “Even when experiencing pain, completely avoiding shoulder use can actually hinder recovery. Gentle movement within your pain tolerance and seeking early treatment are both important.”
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