FROZEN SHOULDER
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that originates from the gradual immobility, or “freezing”, of the shoulder joint. This condition can cause stiffness and discomfort for extended amounts of time, with the condition sometimes lasting up to three years. It can be worrisome to experience such acute pain in such a heavily utilized area of the body. However, for those of us who suffer from frozen shoulder, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and get back to having a pain-free and active lifestyle. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy can all help manage the pain and discomfort associated with frozen shoulder by promoting blood flow, mobility, and pain relief.
What are the signs and symptoms?
If you are experiencing acute, persistent aching and increasing stiffness in your shoulder, you may have frozen shoulder. The first signs of frozen shoulder are discomfort while moving the shoulder, a pain in the area that radiates into the upper arm, difficulties sleeping on the side with pain, and stiffness that prevents the movement in that shoulder. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician who typically performs a physical exam and may order medical imaging to rule out other potential causes for these symptoms.
What causes frozen shoulder?
Although a gradual onset of symptoms usually suggests a direct cause for the pain and discomfort experienced, there is no direct cause for frozen shoulder. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase the risk of an individual developing this condition.
- Restricted movement: Keeping your shoulder immobile for long periods of time can increase your risk for developing frozen shoulder. For example, if you are recovering from an injury or surgery, or if you have had a stroke, you may be more at risk for developing frozen shoulder.
- Diseases or health conditions: Research has found that certain health conditions can increase your risk for developing this condition. If you have diabetes, cardiac disease, Parkinson’s disease, or thyroid disease, you may have a higher chance of developing frozen shoulder. In addition, it may be harder to recover from frozen shoulder if you have an underlying condition. Speak to a medical professional if you have a health condition and are worried that it could interfere with your recovery from frozen shoulder.
- Age and gender: Although there is a chance of developing frozen shoulder at any age, studies have found that women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and that individuals over the age of forty have an increased chance of developing the condition.
How does it progress?
The symptoms for frozen shoulder progress in three stages. It is important to understand how frozen shoulder progresses so you can be aware of the progression of this condition, as well as being aware of what treatments can benefit you at each stage.
- Freezing: During this first stage, the connective tissue around the shoulder joint begins to tighten around the joint, which causes the beginnings of the shoulder’s immobility and discomfort. The freezing stage can last for approximately eight weeks to nine months, and the general symptoms of this stage can include gradual shoulder stiffness, a loss of range of motion, and increasing pain.
- Frozen: The second stage is categorized by the complete inflammation of the shoulder joint, and difficulty moving the shoulder due to thickening and scarring of the tissue that surrounds the joint. The frozen stage can last for up to a year, with patients reporting a decrease in pain, but an increase of stiffness and immobility.
- Thawing: During this last stage, the shoulder begins to slowly mobilize as the surrounding tissue decreases in inflammation. Patients often report that during this stage, their shoulder strength slowly returns, as well as their range of motion in the affected area. This stage lasts between six months to two years.
How can I treat it?
In many cases, frozen shoulder will resolve without the need for surgery, but this agonizing condition can take years to heal on its own. It can be frustrating and painful to complete day-to-day tasks when your shoulder is tight, immobile, and uncomfortable. However, there are many treatments for frozen shoulder at every stage of its occurrence.
- Massage therapy: Attending massage therapy sessions are a great way to alleviate the pain associated with frozen shoulder. Massage therapy at any stage of frozen shoulder can help with stretching and mobilization of the muscles affected, and can help relieve the tightness felt in the shoulder, which can decrease pain and discomfort
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy sessions are another wonderful way to help lessen the symptoms of frozen shoulder by relieving tension and aching in the area, especially in the first two stages of frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist can gently stretch, flex, and relax the affected muscles,
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture uses gentle methods to increase range of motion, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow to naturally promote healing to areas affected by frozen shoulder at any stage of the condition.
- Kinesiology: Seeking help from a kinesiologist can help with strengthening in the second and third stages of frozen shoulder. A kinesiologist can work together with the patient to build a customized stretching and exercise program, which will help the patient mobilize and strengthen the affected shoulder.
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In addition to utilizing manual therapy and active therapy, individuals can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medications (NSAIDs), to help control the symptoms of frozen shoulder. Some patients also prefer using topical ointments and creams that can promote pain relief and healing. If you are unsure of which treatment to pursue, EvolveTherapeutic is here to help. Located in central Richmond, we offer a broad range of treatments that can help you at any stage of your frozen shoulder journey. Give us a call or text us at (604)273-7164, and ask about what treatment is right for you.
