Stiff Shoulder
What is a Stiff Shoulder?
A stiff shoulder is a condition characterized by discomfort and difficulty moving the shoulder joint. It is typically caused by an injury or overuse of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body due to its range of motion and its ability to bear weight. Common activities that can cause a stiff shoulder include throwing, lifting, pushing, and carrying objects. Many times, a stiff shoulder can resolve on its own with rest, but sometimes physical therapy or other treatments are necessary for complete recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of a Stiff Shoulder
Typically, signs and symptoms of a stiff shoulder include:
- Pain
- Limited range of motion
- Trouble moving the shoulder
- Sharp pain if the shoulder is moved in certain positions
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Tenderness when pressing on the shoulder
Causes of a Stiff Shoulder
A stiff shoulder can be caused by any number of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Shoulder dislocation
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
Treatment for a Stiff Shoulder
The treatment you receive for a stiff shoulder will depend on the underlying cause. Generally, treatments include:
- Resting the shoulder as much as possible
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Steroid injections into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation
- Surgery to repair a tear in the rotator cuff or to repair a dislocated shoulder
