Bangkok: Frozen shoulder, a common musculoskeletal concern, poses a significant threat to women over the age of 40, often leading to severe shoulder pain and challenging mobility. Hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, are primarily responsible for causing this condition, which can profoundly affect daily activities and disrupt sleep.

According to Thai News Agency, women over 40 are at a heightened risk of developing frozen shoulder due to hormonal changes that result in decreased flexibility of tendons and joint capsules, making them more prone to inflammation. Additionally, as men generally possess stronger muscle mass around the shoulder joint, women face a greater risk of scar tissue development and thickening of the shoulder capsule with age, leading to the onset of frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages. Initially, in the painful phase, individuals experience pain in the shoulder joint, especially during nighttime or when lying on the affected side, with a noticeable limitation in arm movement lasting approximately 2-9 months. This is followed by the joint stiffness phase, where pain may subside, but stiffness becomes more pronounced, severely restricting arm mobility for 4-12 months. During the recovery phase, which can take 1-3 years, the scar tissue begins to loosen, gradually restoring the shoulder's range of motion.

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder involves a physical examination to assess the range of motion, often supplemented by X-rays or ultrasound to differentiate it from other shoulder conditions like torn or inflamed tendons. Non-surgical treatments include the use of anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers, physical therapy, shoulder stretching, muscle exercises, and in severe cases, medication injections into the shoulder joint. If these methods prove ineffective, arthroscopic surgery may be considered to remove the scar tissue from the shoulder joint capsule.

Preventive and therapeutic measures also emphasize basic exercises to mitigate stiffness. The 'Finger Wall Crawl' exercise involves using fingers to crawl up and down a wall, enhancing mobility, while the 'Arm Swing Exercise' helps relax the shoulder joint by gently swinging the arm in a circular motion. Early medical intervention with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy can aid in restoring normal shoulder function without the need for surgical procedures.