Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that leads to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint and it happens when the shoulder capsule, a protective layer of tissue around the joint, thickens and tightens. This tightening restricts movement which makes it harder to perform everyday actions like raising your arm. Frozen shoulder develops slowly over time, moving through three phases, freezing, frozen, and thawing. Each stage can last for months, and full recovery may take up to three years.
Symptoms can worsen at night, affecting sleep quality for some people. Frozen shoulder is more likely to occur when the arm is immobile for long periods, such as after surgery or an injury. It’s also more common in people with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The overlap of mobility issues in these conditions may explain why a condition like frozen shoulder Parkinson’s patients often experience is particularly challenging.
How Parkinson’s Disease Affects the Body
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that mainly affects movements. It develops gradually and causes symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movements. Over time, patients can also experience issues with balance, posture, and their ability to move certain muscles freely. Parkinson’s occurs when the brain loses cells that produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for smooth and controlled movement. With less dopamine, the muscles feel tighter and less coordinated.
These movement limitations can lead to long periods of reduced activity in certain limbs, including the arms. This prolonged inactivity is a major reason why people with Parkinson’s may develop frozen shoulder.
The Connection Between Frozen Shoulder and Parkinson’s Disease
Frozen shoulder happens more frequently in people living with Parkinson’s than in the general population. Both conditions share some of the main features, like stiffness and mobility challenges. Parkinson’s often reduces the ability to move one or both arms, either due to rigidity, tremors, or general slowness. This lack of movement can contribute directly to the development of frozen shoulder, as mobility is critical for the joint’s health. When the shoulder doesn’t move enough, it becomes vulnerable to the thickening and tightening of the capsule that defines frozen shoulder.
Additionally, Parkinson’s can lead to changes in the muscles and connective tissues which further increases the chances of joint problems like frozen shoulder. For people with this condition, adapting treatment plans to address both frozen shoulder and Parkinson’s is often key to managing symptoms effectively.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder aside from Parkinson’s disease. Individuals over 40, particularly women, face a higher likelihood of experiencing this condition. Long periods of arm immobility caused by injuries such as fractures, or surgeries, can also trigger the problem. Systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues are common risk factors as well.
For someone with Parkinson’s, the combination of these risk factors, along with reduced movement and muscle stiffness, creates a higher likelihood of frozen shoulder. This means early detection and preventive care are especially important for these individuals.
Symptoms to Watch
Frozen shoulder begins with an initial “freezing” stage marked by pain and reduced shoulder movement. Even small gestures during this phase can feel painful, making the arm difficult to use. The second stage, called the “frozen” stage, may involve less pain but greater stiffness. At this point, attempting to move the shoulder becomes extremely challenging. The final stage is the “thawing” period, where stiffness gradually fades, and range of motion improves. However, this process can take months.
Managing Frozen Shoulder in Patients with Parkinson’s
Treatment for frozen shoulder often focuses on relieving pain and improving mobility. Regular physical therapy with gentle stretching exercises can help restore a range of motion over time. Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections may also provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.
For individuals with Parkinson’s, managing both conditions requires a tailored approach. Therapists may focus on exercises that target overall body movement, while also addressing the specific limitations in the shoulder joint. Early recognition of symptoms and consistent treatment can help minimize the impact of frozen shoulder.
