Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that makes your shoulder stiff and painful, almost like it’s “stuck” or “frozen.” This makes it hard to move your arm, making simple tasks like dressing, brushing your hair, or reaching for something difficult.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of frozen shoulder, but it happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thick and inflamed. This tissue normally helps the shoulder move smoothly, but when it swells, it makes movement stiff and painful.
Who Can Get Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is more common in women than men and usually affects people between 40 and 60 years old. It is also more likely to happen to people with health conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or autoimmune diseases.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops in three stages:
- Freezing Stage: This is the most painful stage. The shoulder slowly becomes stiff, and moving it gets harder. The pain can be very strong, especially at night.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may get better, but the shoulder stays very stiff. It becomes difficult to move your arm.
- Thawing Stage: This is the healing stage. The shoulder slowly becomes less stiff, and movement improves. Recovery can take several months to over a year.
ICD-10 Code for Frozen Shoulder
Doctors use a system called ICD-10-CM to classify and code diseases. The code for frozen shoulder is M75.0. This code has sub codes to show whether the left or right shoulder is affected.
| ICD-10-CM Code | Description |
| M75.00 | Adhesive capsulitis of unspecified shoulder |
| M75.01 | Adhesive capsulitis of right shoulder |
| M75.02 | Adhesive capsulitis of left shoulder |
How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose frozen shoulder by checking your symptoms and examining your shoulder. They may also do imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to make sure your pain and stiffness are not caused by another problem.
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving movement. Options include:
- Pain relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: A therapist can teach you exercises to improve movement and flexibility.
- Steroid injections: Your doctor may inject medicine into the shoulder to reduce pain and swelling.
- Surgery: Rarely needed, but may be an option if other treatments don’t work.
Tips for Managing Frozen Shoulder
Tips for Managing Frozen Shoulder are as follows;
- Use heat or ice – Heat relaxes muscles, and ice reduces pain.
- Avoid movements that cause pain – Don’t lift heavy objects or reach too high.
- Be patient – Recovery takes time, sometimes months to a year or more.
