Frozen shoulder- Symptoms and treatment
The medical term for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis. It is a condition that limits the range of the motion of the hand. It is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes thicker and tighter, with scar tissues developing overtime. This results in space constriction of shoulder tissues which hinder proper rotation. Frozen shoulder usually occur to people who are between ages 40 and 60. People who have frozen shoulder cannot raise their hands over a certain angle (based on its severity)
Causes
Some of the common causes of a frozen shoulder is the long period of inactivity due to injury, illness, or surgery which makes it more vulnerable to inflammation and adhesions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include swelling, pain, and stiffness of the shoulder. The person becomes aware of a frozen shoulder when it begins to hurt. Reaching for an item that is placed high on the shelf becomes difficult. With the condition getting severe, the person might not be able to do simplest of daily tasks that involve shoulder movement such as dressing.
Diagnosis
If you experience stiffness and pain in your shoulder, see a doctor.
Treatment
People often leave the frozen shoulder untreated, but the pain and the stiffness can remain for a couple of years. Following treatment options can speed up recovery
Physical therapy: This is the most basic and safest form of treatment for a frozen shoulder. The goal of the physiotherapist treating a frozen shoulder is to stretch the shoulder joint and regain the lost motion. The healing process through physiotherapy can take weeks or even months based on the severity of the frozen shoulder.
Medications: Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications that will reduce the inflammation in the shoulder. A steroid injection on the shoulder may also help. Follow the medication that are strictly prescribed by your doctor.
Home care: Home care might only help you in reducing the pain caused due to frozen shoulder. Placing an ice pack on the shoulder for 15 minutes daily several times a day can help decrease the pain. When you are undergoing physiotherapy sessions, your physiotherapist might tell you about light exercise that you can do in their absence to push for speedy recovery. Surgery is not usually required in cases like these.
