Shoulder pain and limited mobility can significantly affect your daily life, making even the simplest tasks a challenge. One common condition that can cause these symptoms is frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for frozen shoulder, empowering you with valuable insights to better understand and manage this condition.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis characterizes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually and often goes through three distinct phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. During the freezing phase, you may experience increasing pain and a gradual loss of motion. The frozen phase involves a plateau of pain, but your shoulder remains highly restricted in terms of movement. The thawing phase sees a gradual improvement in mobility and reduction in pain.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
While we may not always have a clear understanding of the exact cause of adhesive capsulitis, we do know that several factors contribute to its development:
- Injury or Trauma: A shoulder injury or trauma can lead to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder capsule, restricting movement.
- Immobility: Prolonged immobility of the shoulder, such as after surgery or an arm fracture, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease have been linked to an increased risk of frozen shoulder.
- Autoimmune Responses: In some cases, the body’s immune system may attack the shoulder capsule, leading to inflammation and stiffness.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The symptoms of frozen shoulder can be quite distinctive and include:
- Pain: Persistent pain, often worsening at night, is a hallmark of frozen shoulder. The pain can be dull and aching, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
- Stiffness: A gradual loss of shoulder mobility is a key symptom. You may find it challenging to perform everyday activities like reaching overhead or fastening a bra.
- Limited Range of Motion: In more advanced cases, the range of motion in the shoulder joint becomes severely limited, affecting your ability to perform even simple movements.
- Discomfort with Activity: Activities that involve raising your arm, such as combing your hair or putting on a shirt, can become uncomfortable or painful.
Treatments Options
Fortunately, frozen shoulder is a treatable condition, and various approaches can help alleviate its symptoms:
- Physiotherapy: Physical therapy is a cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. A physiotherapist can guide you through gentle exercises and stretches to gradually improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can provide significant pain relief and help improve mobility.
- Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to help stretch and expand the capsule, leading to improved range of motion.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgical options, such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery, may be considered for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments.
- Home Exercises: Your healthcare provider may recommend specific exercises to do at home to complement the work done during physiotherapy sessions.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating and painful condition, but with the right approach, it is manageable. Early intervention, appropriate exercises, and a comprehensive treatment plan can help you regain mobility and minimize discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms of adhesive capsulitis, consult a healthcare professional or a specialist at Unique Physiotherapy clinic. Our team of experts dedicates itself to providing personalized care to assist you in navigating the challenges of adhesive capsulitis and enhancing your overall quality of life. Remember, you don’t have to endure the pain and restricted movement of frozen shoulder alone – help is available, and relief is possible.
At Unique Physiotherapy, we believe that a well-balanced diet is a fundamental aspect of joint pain relief and overall well-being. By avoiding foods that can trigger inflammation, you can make a positive impact on your joint health. Combined with our range of top-quality physiotherapy services, including Massage Therapy, Yoga, Pilates, and more, you can experience comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your recovery.