Frozen shoulder can cause a lot of pain and stiffness, making it hard for people to move their arm properly. This condition, also known as adhesive capsulitis, usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. It can affect your ability to do daily tasks like getting dressed, combing your hair, or reaching for something on a shelf.
In Dubai, expert surgeons like Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, who specialize in treating conditions from the hand to shoulder surgeon dubai, help patients recover from frozen shoulder using a step-by-step, personalised approach. This article explains what frozen shoulder is, why it happens, and how a specialist in Dubai can help you get better.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. Over time, it becomes hard to move the shoulder at all. The condition usually develops in three stages:
- Freezing Stage: The shoulder starts to hurt and movement becomes difficult. This stage can last 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may decrease, but the shoulder becomes even stiffer. You might struggle to raise your arm. This can last 4 to 6 months.
- Thawing Stage: Movement slowly returns, and the pain lessens. Full recovery can take 6 months to 2 years.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint (called the capsule) becomes thick and tight. This limits movement and causes pain. The exact cause is not always clear, but some common reasons include:
- Injury or Surgery: If you’ve had an injury, fracture, or surgery and haven’t moved your shoulder much, it can become stiff.
- Health Conditions: People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart disease are more likely to get frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: It’s more common in people aged 40 to 60, especially women.
- Immobility: Keeping the shoulder still for a long time, due to pain or illness, can lead to this condition.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of frozen shoulder usually come on slowly and worsen over time. Common signs include:
- Dull, aching pain in the shoulder
- Stiffness that makes it hard to move your arm
- Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
- Trouble reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to see a hand to shoulder surgeon in Dubai like Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis: How the Surgeon Confirms It
During your visit, Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine will begin by listening to your symptoms and asking about your medical history. He will then do a physical examination to check your range of motion. You may be asked to move your arm in different directions.
In some cases, imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI may be recommended to rule out other problems such as arthritis or a torn rotator cuff.
Once frozen shoulder is confirmed, the next step is to create a personalised treatment plan.
How Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine Treats Frozen Shoulder in Dubai
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore shoulder movement. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is and what stage it’s in. Below are the common methods used by Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine:
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
In most cases, frozen shoulder can be treated without surgery. These treatments include:
a. Medications
- Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation.
- In some cases, stronger anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed.
b. Physiotherapy
This is the most important part of treatment. Dr. Bouloudhnine works closely with expert physiotherapists to guide your recovery. Therapy includes:
- Stretching exercises
- Range of motion training
- Strengthening exercises
You may need to attend physiotherapy sessions regularly and also practice exercises at home.
c. Corticosteroid Injections
Injections help reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder. These are especially helpful in the early stages when the shoulder is very painful.
d. Heat or Ice Therapy
Applying heat or ice packs at home can also help reduce stiffness and discomfort.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief after several months, Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine may suggest minimally invasive options.
a. Hydrodilatation (Joint Distension)
In this technique, a sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to stretch the tight capsule and improve movement. It is done under local anaesthesia and usually has quick results.
b. Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)
In this method, the patient is given anaesthesia and the surgeon gently moves the shoulder to stretch the capsule. This helps break up the tight tissue. MUA is safe and often brings fast improvement in motion.
3. Shoulder Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
If all other treatments fail, arthroscopic surgery may be needed. This is a minimally invasive surgery where tiny tools and a camera are inserted through small cuts. The tight capsule is released to allow better shoulder movement.
Benefits of arthroscopy include:
- Small scars
- Faster recovery
- Less pain compared to open surgery
Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine performs this surgery with great precision and care, ensuring patients recover smoothly.
Recovery Process: What to Expect
Recovery from frozen shoulder takes time. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine always sets clear expectations so you know what to expect. Here’s a basic timeline:
– Weeks 1–4:
Pain starts to reduce with medication and gentle movement. Physiotherapy begins.
– Weeks 5–12:
Range of motion improves with regular exercises and possibly injections.
– Months 4–6:
Most patients regain strength and normal movement. If improvement is slow, minimally invasive procedures may be done.
– Months 6–12:
With continued care, most people return to normal activities, though some stiffness may remain for a while.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Shoulder
While not all cases can be prevented, here are some simple steps to lower your risk:
- Stay active: Keep moving your shoulder, especially after an injury or surgery.
- Do stretching exercises: Gentle stretches can keep the shoulder joint flexible.
- Manage health conditions: Control diabetes, thyroid problems, and other medical issues.
- Follow post-surgery advice: If you’ve had shoulder surgery, follow rehab exercises exactly as prescribed.
Why Choose Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine in Dubai?
If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, choosing the right surgeon can make a big difference in your recovery. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine is a trusted hand to shoulder surgeon in Dubai with years of experience treating frozen shoulder and other shoulder problems.
Here’s why patients choose him:
- Specialist Care: Focused only on hand to shoulder conditions.
- Advanced Techniques: Uses modern tools and minimally invasive procedures.
- Personalised Plans: Every patient gets a custom treatment based on their stage and pain level.
- Expert Team: Works closely with physiotherapists and pain specialists.
- High Success Rates: Many patients recover without surgery, and those who need surgery return to normal activities smoothly.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can affect your quality of life, but with the right treatment, it’s possible to recover fully. Early diagnosis, regular physiotherapy, and expert guidance are the keys to getting better. In Dubai, Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine offers world-class care for frozen shoulder using both non-surgical and surgical methods.
If you or someone you know is experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait. Consult with a trusted hand to shoulder surgeon in Dubai and begin your journey to a pain-free, active life.