Frozen Shoulder

This is a common condition in which the shoulders are stiffened thereby reducing the mobility of the shoulder. A frozen shoulder is referred to as adhesive capsulitis. This term is always used interchangeably for arthritis, but these two conditions are not related. Frozen shoulder focus on the shoulder joint while arthritis on the order hand can refer to other joints or multiple joints.

The risk of developing a frozen shoulder increases if an individual is recovering from a medical condition or a procedure which prevents the movement of the arm, for example, stroke or mastectomy.

Frozen shoulder usually affects individuals between the age of 40 and 60 years, and it has been found to be common in women than in men. The shoulder joint has been estimated to affect approximately 3% of people. Frozen shoulder can affect one or the two shoulders.

What are the Causes of Frozen Shoulder?

The bones, ligaments, and tendons which makes up the shoulder joint are enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. The thickness and tightening of the muscles around the shoulder result in frozen shoulder, thereby limiting the movement of the shoulder.

The exact cause of this condition still remains unclear to physicians. However, it is possible to occur in people who are diabetic or individuals who recently had to immobilize their shoulder for a long period of time for example after surgery or a broken arm.

Risk factors of Frozen Shoulder

Below are some factors which have been found to increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

1. Age and Gender: Individuals who are within the range of 40 years and above especially women, are more likely to develop a frozen shoulder.

2. Immobility or restricted mobility: People who have been unable to move for a long period of time or people with limited mobility of their shoulder are at higher risk to have frozen shoulder. There are some factors that can result in immobility examples of which include rotator cuff injury, fractured arm, stroke and recovery from surgery among others.

3. Systemic diseases: individuals with some diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis and Parkinson’s diseases among others are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

What are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Pain and stiffness which make it difficult or impossible to move are the common symptoms of frozen shoulder.

In the event that you have a frozen shoulder, you will probably experience a dull or serious pain on one of the shoulders. You can also feel the pain in the muscles of the shoulders that surround the top of your arm. These same feelings can be felt in the upper arm. Pain can get worse at night, which can make sleeping difficult.

Usually, you will go through three phases with frozen shoulders. Each of the three phases has own symptoms and their own timeline.

Freezing stage:

• Pain which can be severe may be developed in your shoulder every time you move it.
• It slowly gets worse as time goes on and may become painful at night making sleeping difficult.
• This phase can last from six to nine months.
• There will be a restriction to the extent that you can move your shoulders.

The frozen stage:

• The pain can improve, but stiffness worsens.
• It will be hard to move the shoulders and becomes more difficult for everyday activities.
• It can 4 to 12 months, unlike the freezing stage.

The thawing stage:

• Your range of movement returns to normal.
• The thawing stage can last from six months to two years.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your shoulder. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your shoulder to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Tendon and Ligament Poultice

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil