Frozen Shoulder – The Mistaken Diagnosis

Often stiffness and shoulder pain is inappropriately given a blanket diagnosis of ‘Frozen Shoulder’. It is not enough to blindly undergo un-targeted physiotherapy without proper diagnosis of the underlying pathology. Rotator cuff pathologies are the most common cause of shoulder pain which could also present with difficulty in moving the arm, particularly above the shoulder level and behind the back.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles around the shoulder generating a force couple to stabilise the otherwise unstable joint and allow efficient movement in all directions. Rotator cuff disorders could range from tendinitis (inflammation/swelling of the tendons) often leading to impingement to Partial and full thickness tears. Unattended these full thickness tears could progress leading to complete failure of the Bio-mechanics of the shoulder causing what is called as pseudo-paralysis (inability to move the shoulder). If not treated at the right time, secondary wear out of the joint can cause arthritis requiring a replacement surgery.

Timely and correct diagnosis is thus prudent in treating these conditions and avoiding further morbidity. Any shoulder pain lasting for more than a few months should not be neglected and specialist consultation must be taken to reach a proper diagnosis and timely management. Often patients come after several months/years of pain medicines and improper Physiotherapy only to learn that they have a tear in the rotator cuff at a relatively advanced stage. This can and must be prevented by a timely and proper diagnosis.

In case you are experiencing any kind of shoulder pain, then don’t wait. Connect with our expert orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Ashwani Maichand and Dr. Praveen Tittal.