How To Differentiate Between Frozen Shoulders And Rotator Cuff Injury

rotator cuff and frozen shoulder

How To Differentiate Between Frozen Shoulders And Rotator Cuff Injury

You never realise the importance of shoulders or how much you use them daily until you experience pain or cannot move them. Most problems in the shoulders result in decreased mobility, pain and stiffness. The issues may be caused due to accidents or due to overusing your shoulders on moving them in one particular manner repeatedly. Some of the most common shoulder problems are rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder and shoulder impingement. People often wonder about the differences between rotator cuff injury and frozen shoulder.

Are you searching for “frozen shoulder vs rotator cuff” on the internet? Then get in touch with the experts at Germanten Hospital. We can also help you with effective treatment if you suffer from extreme pain and immobility in your shoulders. 

If you are looking for the difference between frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears, here is a detailed explanation for you. 

Rotator Cuff Tear Or Injury

Consisting of muscles and tendons, the rotator cuff is present around the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injury dazzles in mild pain, which escalates if you put pressure on the affected shoulder. It can also affect people who move the shoulders repeatedly and are into competitive sports. Rotator cuff tear occurs if there is any injury to the shoulder or the tendon tissue degenerates gradually. 

Physical therapy can help treat this condition. However, if the rotator cuff injury occurs due to an accident, you should consult a doctor immediately. The treatment is determined by the type and extent of the injury, as there are several differences between frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury

Here are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear: 

  • Mild pain in the shoulders. 
  • Experiencing pain while laying on the affected shoulder. 
  • Not being able to do basic activities like combing hair. 
  • Weakness in the arms. 

These symptoms will help you understand the difference between frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury. 

Some factors causing a rotator cuff injury are: 

Profession: Some occupations like painters, carpenters, pitchers, archers, sports athletes have an increased risk of having a rotator cuff injury.

Ageing: It also contributes to the risk of the problem, as it degenerates the shoulder joint and lack of mobility in the shoulder. 

Now, to differentiate frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury, you also need to understand the former. 

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder includes pain and stiffness in the shoulder or upper arms. The symptoms can deteriorate gradually, but treatment at the correct time will help you get better. To treat the problem, you can undergo physical therapy. 

Frozen shoulder is caused due to the thickening of the tissues covering the shoulder bones, tendons and ligaments. Some symptoms of a frozen shoulder are extreme pain inability to move your shoulders on your own or with assistance. 

If you are afflicted with a frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tear, you can visit Germanten Hospital for treatment. In addition, you can consult with our doctors to find info on frozen shoulders vs rotator cuffs online. 

The development of a frozen shoulder:

1st Stage: In this phase, the pain just keeps increasing. As the pain progresses, you will be unable to move your shoulders. 

2nd Stage: The phase is called the freezing stage, in which the pain decreases, but the shoulder gets stiffer. 

3rd Stage: It is known as the thawing stage, and the shoulder’s mobility improves. Normal movement or strength in the shoulders returns in 6 months or 2 years. 

Are you experiencing rotator cuff or frozen shoulders? Book your appointments in Germanten Hospital and get treated immediately. You should also visit if you suffer from a rotator cuff tear with a frozen shoulder

Here are the factors contributing to frozen shoulder: 

  • Age and gender: People aged between 40 to 60 suffer the most. 
  • Immobility: Frozen shoulders are more likely to affect people who are incapable of movement, like those affected with mastectomies. 
  • Certain diseases and conditions: People suffering from diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, or heart diseases are more likely to suffer from frozen shoulders. 

If you are searching for frozen shoulder vs rotator cuffs on the internet, and experiencing a lack of movement, consult a doctor to confirm your problem. They will help you understand the difference between rotator cuff injury and frozen shoulder. In a rotator cuff injury, your arm’s movement will be decreased, but you can move it manually. On the other hand, a frozen shoulder will cause extreme pain and limited mobility. It also makes it difficult for you to move your shoulders or arms. After understanding the problem, you can seek the correct treatment. 

Are you still wondering how to differentiate between the rotator cuff injury and frozen shoulders? Then, you can visit Germanten Hospital and consult with our expert doctors and understand the problem but also help you treat it successfully at an affordable price.