What is a Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is a common disorder that can worsen over time if not treated. It causes stiffness, loss of range of motion and pain in the shoulder. As a result, simple daily tasks like reaching for a glass in an overhead cupboard or fastening a bra can be impossible.
Frozen Shoulder Risks and Causes
Frozen shoulder affects more women than men, mainly people between 40 and 60 years old. Some known causes include extended periods of immobilization due to surgery, injury or illness, but otherwise, the reason is not fully understood.
For example, the shoulder joint capsule may thicken and become stiff when the arm is put in a cast or sling for a few weeks or longer. As a result, the shoulder no longer cooperates when the cast or sling comes off.
The condition occurs when the connective tissue enclosing the glenohumeral joint thickens, becoming tight and inflamed. Sometimes scar tissue may form between the joint and the head of the humerus bone, causing further stiffness.
Full recovery is possible, but it takes lots of effort and time. At Medici Spine & Pain, we offer frozen shoulder treatment to alleviate pain and help you regain mobility.
The Shoulder’s Elaborate Architecture
The glenohumeral joint is a complex ball-and-socket arrangement that allows the shoulder to move forward and backward and the arm to rotate and extend outward from the body. It gives the shoulder its vast and varied range of motion.
The glenohumeral joint is protected by a flexible capsule surrounded by ligaments, tendons and bursae – all working together to keep the joint moving smoothly while holding the muscles and bones together. It is an elaborate architecture of soft tissues and bone, making the shoulder super flexible but highly vulnerable to injury and regular wear and tear.
Frozen Shoulder Treatments
It can be frustrating to have restricted mobility and pain when doing simple, necessary activities like showering. Fortunately, frozen shoulder treatments can relieve pain and gradually restore the joint’s normal range of motion.
You will likely have a physical therapist teach you appropriate stretching exercises to continue on your own at home. It would be wise to avoid strenuous activities such as lifting or reaching for things overhead throughout your recovery period. Eventually, you will resume your usual activity level, as long as you follow your treatment plan and stretch. Over 90% of frozen shoulder patients improve with nonsurgical measures.
Medici Spine & Pain specialists can tailor a treatment plan for your needs that will help speed up recovery and improve your life. It may include nonsurgical modalities such as anti-inflammatory injections, physical therapy and other treatments. Rarely is surgery required.
Reach out to Medici Spine & Pain today if you have the symptoms of a frozen shoulder so we can schedule a consultation.
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