Project Description
Frozen shoulder, scientifically known as adhesive capsulitis is symptomized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, this characteristically worsens over time and then corrects itself within one to three years. Frozen shoulder is common among a population of people who are restricted from the movement of their arms due to several reasons, these could include mastectomy, stroke, or injury.
treatment of adhesive capsulitis range from administering movement exercises to medicated numbing of the said joint and in some cases, arthroscopic surgery to loosen the frozen shoulder.
There aren’t many reported cases of a reoccurrence of symptoms once properly treated but it has been seen in some cases to affect the opposite shoulder.
SYMPTOMS
Frozen shoulders as the name implies is symptomized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder, it typically progresses gradually, there are 3 stages,
the first stage or freezing stage; this is the initial stage of this ailment, it is associated with pain with movements of the shoulders, you begin to notice the range of motion in your shoulders gradually reduces. Some cases worked t night usually disrupting sleep. The freezing stage is a painful one, contacting a healthier professional at this stage is best.
the second stage the frozen stage; at this stage, the range of motion is will be at an all-time low, the pain will be reduced but the shoulder will become more difficult to use. At this stage, the affected person is not in that much pain but will favor the opposing shoulder as the affected shoulder will be more or less impossible to use.
the third stage or the thawing stage; At this stage, the shoulder becomes easier to move and is a lot more mobile than the second stage or freezing stage. At this stage, there is usually not a lot of pain as seen in the first stage or freezing stage.
the second stage the frozen stage; at this stage the range of motion is will be at an all time low, the pain will reduced but the shoulder will become more difficultly to use. At this stage, the affected person is not in that much pain but will favor the opposing shoulder as the affected shoulder will be more or less impossible to use.
the third stage or the thawing stage; At this stage, the shoulder becomes easier to move and is a lot more mobile than the second stage or freezing stage. At this stage there is usually not a lot of pain as seen in the first stage or freezing stage.
Dr. Dean fixed my Frozen Shoulder!
CAUSES
The frozen shoulder is caused by a thickening of the connective tissue that makes up the shoulder joint. The bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are all encapsulated by connective tissue in the shoulder, frozen shoulder occurs when there is a stiffness or tightening in this connective tissue.
To date, research has not been able to identify why this occurs and what averagely causes this ailment, but in some cases, a frozen shoulder occurs when a person is unable to mobilize the shoulder joint for long periods or has diabetes. shoulder immobility could be a result of several factors such as stroke, injury, mastectomy.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS;
Certain factors may make you more susceptible to having a frozen shoulder.
- Mobility: If something occurs that forces a dormancy in your shoulders, this can leave you more susceptible to the frozen shoulder.
- Age and Sex: Research shows that women over the age of 40 are more prone to suffer from frozen shoulder.
- Diseases; Certain diseases increases your risk of a from the shoulder, these include
- An Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- An Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Heart disease
- Tuberculosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
TREATMENT
it is important to note that the goal of the treatment is to eliminate pain in the shoulder as well as completely maintain and preserve all range of motion in the shoulder. This is predominantly achieved by carefully customized exercises by a healthcare professional.
Consulting a sports therapist can shorten the duration of this ailment and eliminate the symptoms, a sports therapist with an arsenal to tackle this ailment can be the sole difference between elongated perseverance of symptoms and instant relief. Adhering to the exercises administered by the health care professional is also very important.
MEDICATION
Pain killers are mostly used to ease the pain of a frozen shoulder. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to reduce the inflammation that may be present in the shoulder. The counter anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed such as Advil.
However, in some cases, stronger pain killers are prescribed.
WHAT TO DO, WHO TO SEE
If you notice symptoms similar to those described in this article, you might likely want to consult a family physician, but he/she will refer you to a more specialized health care professional.
Before beginning to consider medication and surgery, first check with a sports therapist, one who can help restore range in motion manually making use of chiropractic, dermal traction, manual therapy, and a host of others to trigger your body’s natural healing process.
Dr. Justin Dean is a renowned Sports Therapist, former Olympic team doctor now serving the Los Angeles area, He has helped countless patients with the frozen shoulder.
GET IN TOUCH WITH DR. DEAN
YOU should be able to move the way you’d like to move without experiencing pain. YOU should be able to experience freedom and energy knowing there’s nothing holding back from giving your life 110%. Dr. Dean would like to learn more about your challenges with a quick phone or email before beginning treatment. Contact him today.