Golfer with frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder can get worse over time.

Frozen shoulder is a very common ailment that can cause discomfort among athletes. It results in stiffness and pain in the shoulder. This condition occurs gradually, with the symptoms getting worse over time. Sometimes it can take one to three years to develop but there are cases where the onset is a bit quicker.

What are the causes of frozen shoulder?

The chances of developing frozen shoulder increase after a medical procedure. This includes conditions that did not allow a person to properly move their arm. For instance, if someone went through a mastectomy or they had a stroke they are at a higher risk. Certain physical activities, such as playing sports, can cause the symptoms to get worse over time as the condition develops. Some sports injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear, if gone untreated can lead to frozen shoulder. Diabetes can also cause a higher chance of developing the condition.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?

There are three phases of frozen shoulder. These include the freezing, frozen and thawing stages. The freezing stage is when a person is experiencing pain in the shoulder any time they are moving it. The range of motion in the shoulder will begin to get worse. The frozen stage is less painful, but the shoulder is stiff and using it becomes problematic. The final stage is the thawing stage where the symptoms start to subside and the shoulder is a lot easier to move.

What is the treatment for frozen shoulder?

Athletes experiencing symptoms should visit a dedicated sports medicine doctor immediately. Sports medicine is a great way to heal your body naturally without drugs or surgery. If you are experiencing pain and stiffness make an appointment with Dr. Bob Meyer at the Spinal Rehab Sports Medicine clinic. Dr. Bob can diagnose your condition and recommend a sports injury treatment that will get you back to what you love doing most fast.