Frozen Shoulder Treatments for Residents and Visitors of Jackson, WY, and Western Wyoming
Frozen shoulder is an informal term that is often used to describe pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. Oftentimes, these symptoms result from a condition known as adhesive capsulitis, which typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and sometimes resolves on its own. Individuals in Jackson, WY, and the surrounding western Wyoming area who are experiencing frozen shoulder symptoms are encouraged to consult with the trusted orthopaedic specialists at Teton Orthopaedics. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons and other medical professionals are highly specialized and provide individualized care for a full range of conditions affecting the shoulder, as well as the knee, foot and ankle, hand and wrist, and spine. Our goal is to keep bodies in motion using the most conservative treatments possible.
As explained by the shoulder experts at Teton Orthopaedics in Jackson Hole, the shoulder is a flexible ball-and-socket joint in which the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade (scapula) and is held in place by the surrounding connective tissue (shoulder capsule). To facilitate smooth movement, the shoulder joint is lubricated by synovial fluid. When frozen shoulder develops, the amount of synovial fluid decreases, the shoulder capsule tightens, and stiff bands of tissue, or adhesions, can develop, all of which can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
While the underlying cause of frozen shoulder is not always apparent, researchers have identified some possible risk factors, including:
- Diabetes – For reasons that remain unclear, adhesive capsulitis affects approximately 10 to 20 percent of individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- Other medical issues – Certain conditions, including heart disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson’s disease, have been associated with frozen shoulder.
- Restricted movement – Shoulder problems can sometimes develop if the shoulder joint is temporarily immobilized to facilitate recovery from an injury or surgical procedure.
At Teton Orthopaedics, many of our patients find relief from frozen shoulder symptoms through conservative treatments designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and restore function. Some options include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, targeted stretching, and customized range of motion exercises. In severe cases, we may recommend surgery to stretch and release the stiffened joint capsule. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons have extensive experience in performing shoulder surgeries.
Contact Teton Orthopaedics if you’d like to discuss frozen shoulder treatment. We see residents and visitors of Jackson, WY, and other communities in western Wyoming, and we do not require referrals.