
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition whose primary symptoms are stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes tight and thickened, restricting its movement. It feels like your shoulder is frozen stuck, hence the name.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically develops in three stages
- Freezing Stage: Lasting between 2 to 9 months, this initial stage is marked by limited shoulder movement and pain with any attempt at motion.
- Frozen Stage: This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Although pain may decrease, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, making it difficult to use.
- Thawing Stage: Spanning 5 to 24 months, the thawing stage sees gradual improvement in shoulder mobility.
Given the timelines for each stage, symptoms of adhesive capsulitis may persist for 1 to 3 years. For many people the pain is worse at night and can interrupt your sleep.
Given the timelines for each stage, symptoms of adhesive capsulitis may last for 1 to 3 years. For many, pain is often more pronounced at night, potentially disrupting sleep.
Causes Of Adhesive Capsulitis and Workers’ Compensation In Illinois
The primary cause of adhesive capsulitis is inflammation in the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. This inflammation can result from a traumatic injury or from keeping the shoulder immobilized for an extended period, such as following surgery or a broken arm. In other words, it’s common that one injury leads to a second injury
If the condition arises from a work-related incident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. This is true whether the injury occurred from a specific accident at work or as a result of a prior injury, like a shoulder issue or broken arm, that occurred on the job.
Should your condition impact your ability to perform work duties, your employer may need to provide accommodations or pay you until you are all better.
Treatment Options For Frozen Shoulder
The primary treatment for adhesive capsulitis often includes range-of-motion exercises. Additionally, corticosteroid injections and numbing medications are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to loosen the joint capsule and restore mobility.
If you’re suffering from frozen shoulder and believe your condition resulted from work-related activities or an accident on the job, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The good news it that if it does stem from a work related injury, 100% of your bills will be made, you will get compensated for your time off of work and we can help you get a significant settlement when you are all better too. We have an Illinois wide network of great attorneys and can connect you with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer who has successfully represented clients with similar conditions.