From the Guidelines
Men experience frozen shoulder due to a combination of factors, including inflammation and stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule, with risk factors such as diabetes, previous shoulder injuries or immobilization, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease playing a significant role 1. The exact cause of frozen shoulder in men remains unclear, but it is believed to be related to the inflammation and scarring of the shoulder joint capsule. While the provided study does not directly address the topic of frozen shoulder, it highlights the importance of traumatic shoulder injuries, which can be a contributing factor to the development of frozen shoulder in men. Some key points to consider in the development of frozen shoulder in men include:
- Age: typically between 40-60 years old
- Risk factors: diabetes, previous shoulder injuries or immobilization, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease
- Symptoms: pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion
- Treatment options: physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and surgical intervention It is essential for men to seek medical attention if they experience persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, as early intervention with physical therapy can help prevent progression and reduce recovery time. The study on traumatic shoulder pain highlights the importance of considering the mechanism of injury and clinical examination in diagnosing shoulder injuries, which can be relevant in understanding the development of frozen shoulder in men 1.
From the Research
Causes of Frozen Shoulder in Men
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to explain why men experience frozen shoulder. However, the studies provide information on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis and Management
- Frozen shoulder is a common condition that causes pain and restriction of movement of the shoulder unrelated to secondary causes 2.
- It has three classic phases (freezing, frozen, and thawing), and is resolved in most cases within 1 to 2 years 2.
- Diagnosis is clinical based on global motion restriction and pain, with imaging playing an ancillary role to narrow the differential diagnosis 2.
Treatment Options
- Physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and injection therapies are standard treatments, although none have been shown to alter the long-term course of the condition 2.
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection has been associated with statistical and clinical superiority compared with other interventions in the short-term for pain and function 3.
- The addition of a home exercise program with simple exercises and stretches and physiotherapy to intra-articular corticosteroid may be associated with added benefits in the mid-term 3.
- Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has also shown benefit at 12 weeks compared with physical therapy in terms of shoulder pain and function 4.