What Causes
Frozen Shoulder?
The
exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, however in a
number of cases, frozen shoulder occurs after another
shoulder injury like
rotator cuff tear,
arthritis or shoulder surgery.
Also,
poor posture can cause a shortening of the ligaments around
the shoulder joint, which can lead to frozen shoulder. Other
theories have suggested that hormonal and genetic conditions
like diabetes and hyperthyroidism can also contribute to
frozen shoulder.
Symptom of Frozen Shoulder
The most common symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and
stiffness. Pain usually takes the form of a persistent dull
ache and stiffness prevents the full range of motion of the
shoulder and upper arm. Patients are often unable to lift
the arm above their head or rotate their arm inward.
The
normal progression of frozen shoulder has been described as
having three stages.
-
In stage one,
(the freezing phase) the patient begins to develop
mild pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This
stage can last from a few weeks to a few months.
-
In stage two,
(the frozen phase) the stiffness remains but the
pain begins to decline. This stage can last from a
few months to nearly a year.
-
In stage three,
(the thawing phase) the full range of movement
begins to return to the shoulder joint. This stage
can also last a few months.
Most
sufferers of frozen shoulder will be fully recovered within
4 to 6 months but some cases have lasted for up to three
years, although these are extremely rare.
Treatment
Frozen shoulder treatment primarily consists of pain relief
and physical therapy techniques. Pain relief usually takes
the form of anti-inflammatory medication and the aim here is
to reduce the pain enough so that physical therapy can be
initiated.
Two
other forms of therapy should also be considered; heat and
massage.
-
Heat
is extremely good for increasing blood flow to a
particular area. Heat lamps and hot water bottles
are the most effective way to increase blood flow;
while heat based creams are distant second choices.
-
Massage is one of the best ways to increase blood
flow to an injured area, and of course the oxygen
and nutrients that go with it. The other benefit of
massage is that it helps to reduce the amount of
scar tissue which is associated with all muscle,
tendon and joint injuries.
Conclusion
Adhesive capsulitis can be
debilitating and cause long-term impairment. Proper
treatment can mean the difference between a
several-months-long disability or one of several years.
Even with therapeutic results, this condition may
require a long rehabilitation.
SAFE STRETCHING
Warm up.
Warms muscles
are more flexible than cold muscles. Warming up with
five minutes of aerobics, such as walking around the
block or riding a stationary bike, increases blood flow
to the muscles and tendons and decreases the chance of
injury.
A
warm shower or bath also warms up muscles and prepares
them for stretching exercises
Stretch Gently.
Avoid bouncing.
Stretch until you feel a tug. Hold a stretch for about
30 seconds. Do not stretch to the point of pain.
Over-stretching can tear muscles.
Breathe:
Do not hold your
breath during exercise. Breathe normally during
stretching exercises
