Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, results in a feeling of pain, discomfort, and stiffness in the shoulder. The likelihood of experiencing frozen shoulder conditions increases with age (after 40) and occurs most commonly in women; people with medical conditions that prevent movement of the shoulder, such as strokes, are more likely to experience frozen shoulder.
This condition can occur when the connective tissue encompassing the shoulder becomes inflamed and tightens resulting in a feeling of stiffness within the shoulder. This condition generally reduces the afflicted person’s range of motion and occurs in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
Causes
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t known but its occurrence is prominent in people with diabetes and people who have undergone shoulder surgery or arm fractures.
No link to overuse due to occupation or hobbies has been determined. Certain diseases including hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac disease can lead to a case of frozen shoulder.
Symptoms
Frozen shoulder typically undergoes three stages between its onset and its relief.
Freezing: a painful phase lasting anywhere between six weeks to nine months. The shoulder gradually begins to lose its range of motion resulting in difficult and unpleasant sensations during movement.
Frozen: The shoulder becomes incredibly stiff and movement is largely restricted; pain may diminish due to a lack of motion. This phase can last between 4 to 9 months.
Thawing: This is the recovery phase which can occur between 5 to 26 months. During this time the shoulder begins to return to normal, increasing in strength and mobility while pain minimizes.
During the freezing and frozen stages the pain is often described as a dull aching that worsens with motion or impact.
Treatment
Although this can heal naturally, it can take up to 3 years until the shoulder returns to normal. Various surgical and non-invasive treatments are available to hasten the healing process, reduce pain, and restore mobility.
Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be taken to help minimize pain and inflammation. Other prescription drugs may be recommended if the pain does not diminish. Corticosteroids and other injections are available for moderate cases and serve to loosen the rigid tissue surrounding the shoulder.
Physical therapy is a popular option consisting of a variety of exercises and shoulder stretches although the success of this option is entirely based on the patient’s commitment to the mobility exercises.
Surgery is only recommended in extreme cases in which the patients symptoms have persisted excessively.
Healthpointe has top-of-the-line physicians and specialists who are trained to provide treatment for shoulder pain, and the associated symptoms.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County:
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Anaheim
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Colton
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Corona
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Garden Grove
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Irwindale
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near La Mirada
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Long Beach
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Los Angeles
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Ontario
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Perris
- Frozen Shoulder Treatment in and near Temecula
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