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At first, your shoulder simply hurts. Then you realize something terrifying is happening: your shoulder is getting harder to move. That pattern of symptoms is characteristic of frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This condition affects approximately 2% to 5% of the general population and is particularly common between ages 40 and 70.

Frozen shoulder sounds serious, but doesn’t automatically mean you need shoulder surgery. Depending on the stage of your adhesive capsulitis, you may find relief with physical therapy or orthobiologic injections. More advanced cases may require minimally invasive surgery. Read on to learn about the symptoms of frozen shoulder and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego to guide you through treatment and recovery. 

What Does Frozen Shoulder Feel Like?

A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause both shoulder pain and a progressive loss of shoulder mobility. For some people, the pain is worse at night, while daytime stiffness can make everyday movements such as reaching overhead, putting on a shirt, or reaching behind your back increasingly difficult.

This condition can develop when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and contracts, restricting the shoulder's normal range of motion. There are distinct phases as frozen shoulder progresses:

• Freezing: Pain increases and motion gradually decreases
• Frozen: Pain may improve, but significant stiffness remains
• Thawing: Motion gradually returns

For some people, frozen shoulder can progress within months. For others, it can take years.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Getting a physical examination from the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego is the best way to determine if you have frozen shoulder. During this evaluation, the surgeon can determine whether an injury or previous surgery caused capsule inflammation. 

During a frozen shoulder evaluation, an orthopedic surgeon will assess several ranges of motion, including elevation and external rotation. Imaging can also help with an accurate diagnosis. X-rays can help rule out arthritis or other bone abnormalities. Ultrasound or MRI may be appropriate when symptoms or the exam suggest a rotator cuff tear, cartilage problem, or another condition that could mimic frozen shoulder.

Can Frozen Shoulder Improve Without Surgery?

Many patients begin with nonsurgical treatments, which can be successful when frozen shoulder is treated early. Physical therapy is the most commonly recommended conservative treatment and can help maintain and gradually restore motion. An injection may also be useful when pain is preventing meaningful participation in rehabilitation. Corticosteroid injections support short-term improvements in pain and function, while orthobiologics can help signal your natural healing cells.

Injectable Orthobiologics for Frozen Shoulder

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is an increasingly popular treatment option for frozen shoulder. Research shows improvements in pain, function, and range of motion after PRP injections. Some studies even found PRP offered longer relief than corticosteroid injections.

Even with all the evidence of success, PRP is not a guaranteed solution or an automatic replacement for corticosteroid treatment. The best injection choice depends heavily on the stage of frozen shoulder, your medical history, pain level, and rehabilitation goals.

When Is Arthroscopic Capsular Release Surgery Necessary?

If significant shoulder stiffness persists despite an appropriate course of nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be your best option. When surgery is recommended, the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego recommends arthroscopic capsular release, a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses a camera to examine the shoulder and carefully releases portions of the contracted joint capsule. The goal is to restore motion restricted by the tight capsule.

Recovery from arthroscopic capsular release surgery varies, but rehabilitation begins early because maintaining the motion gained during surgery is critical. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery. 

Where to Find the Best Shoulder Surgeon in San Diego for Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen shoulder is a frustrating condition because it can limit the activities you enjoy. A personalized treatment plan guided by an expert surgeon is the best way to get effective treatment and recover quickly. At our state-of-the-art clinic in Encinitas, Dr. Samagh brings fellowship training in sports medicine, research experience in shoulder pathology, and extensive experience treating athletes and active patients. As Chairman of the Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas Orthopedic Surgery Division, Dr. Samagh currently serves as Vice Chair and is honored to serve patients across Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and throughout North County San Diego and Southern California. 

If you are dealing with persistent shoulder stiffness or suspected adhesive capsulitis, the team at San Diego Performance Orthopedics & Regenerative Therapy can help get you on the path to recovery.

Ready to get personalized treatment for frozen shoulder from the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego?