Orthopedic shoulder specialist Dr. Sara Edwards was cited in Self Magazine’s article, Frozen Shoulder Is the Joint Condition Anyone Over 40 Should Know About’

Posted on: January 29th, 2025 by Our Team

Orthopedic shoulder specialist Dr. Sara Edwards was recently featured in SELF magazine’s article, “Frozen Shoulder Is the Joint Condition Anyone Over 40 Should Know About,” where she provided expert insights into this often-overlooked condition. Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, leading to significant limitations in mobility. Dr. Edwards, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the condition’s prevalence, particularly among women aged 40 to 60, and the general lack of awareness surrounding it.

In the article, Dr. Edwards explains that frozen shoulder typically develops without a specific injury, making it a mysterious condition for many patients. She describes the progression of the condition through three stages: the “freezing” stage, marked by increasing pain; the “frozen” stage, where stiffness dominates; and the “thawing” stage, during which mobility gradually returns. Dr. Edwards notes that the entire process can span months to years, underscoring the importance of early recognition and intervention.

One notable aspect Dr. Edwards highlights is the potential link between hormonal changes during perimenopause and the onset of frozen shoulder. She points out that estrogen receptors are present in joint tissues and that fluctuations in estrogen levels may contribute to increased inflammation, a key factor in the development of the condition. This observation aligns with findings from a small study indicating that women undergoing hormone replacement therapy had a lower incidence of frozen shoulder compared to non-users.

Treatment strategies for frozen shoulder often begin with conservative measures, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Dr. Edwards stresses the importance of maintaining shoulder movement to prevent further stiffness, cautioning against the use of slings or immobilization without medical advice. In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, options such as corticosteroid injections, hydrodilation, or surgical intervention may be considered.

Dr. Edwards’s contribution to the SELF magazine article serves to raise awareness about frozen shoulder, encouraging individuals, especially those in higher-risk groups, to seek medical evaluation for persistent shoulder pain and stiffness. Her expertise underscores the necessity of early diagnosis and proactive management to improve outcomes for those affected by this debilitating condition.

For a comprehensive understanding of frozen shoulder, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, readers are encouraged to consult the full article in SELF magazine: Frozen Shoulder Is the Joint Condition Anyone Over 40 Should Know About.

Read the full article