Adhesive capsulitis is another name for frozen shoulder whereby
the shoulder of the person becomes stiff and the condition is characterized by
a limited range of motion. When the tissues around the joint region of the
shoulders get stiffer, the person cannot use his shoulders to the fullest
extent. Limited range of motion makes it difficult to accomplish the daily activities.
It can also lead to scars all over the tissues to make the shoulder movement
difficult and painful. Frozen shoulder might result from any previous shoulder
injury and other ailments like diabetes and stroke. Frozen shoulder may
continue for a year’s time if nothing is done. Exercises, medicines, and
painkillers are the best treatments. Frozen
shoulder treatment should be started at the earliest possible time. Due to
the stiffening of shoulders, the range of motion gets restricted leading to a
lot of problems.
Who is Affected by Frozen Shoulder?
People
who are above 40 years of age are mostly affected by frozen shoulder. People
between 40 to 60 years of age may get affected. It may either impact one
shoulder or may affect both the shoulders. The person having a frozen shoulder
will experience pain in the shoulders when trying to move it. There will be a
limited movement of the shoulders resulting from stiffness in the area. It
becomes difficult to accomplish the daily activities. If the shoulders are
stiff and the range of motion is limited, the doctor will suspect frozen
shoulder and then prescribe certain tests. To prevent any reverse stiffness in
the shoulder, the doctor may recommend a physical therapist for daily
exercises. Gentle exercises of shoulders will do. Indeed, the simplest form of
exercises is Crossover arm stretching, Towel Stretch and Pendulum Stretch. But
there is a need for the therapist to guide you through. A physical therapist, a
doctor or an osteopath can help with the exercises. If there is stiffness in
the shoulders, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis.
Causes and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
When
there is scar tissue formation in any of the shoulders, there is a frozen
shoulder. It may happen on both the shoulders. When there is any formation of
scar tissue on the shoulders, the joint’s capsule tends to thicken or tighten
and thus there is less of movement. The joint becomes stiff and so the instance
of frozen shoulder. Women are more affected by frozen shoulder. People who are
diabetic, they also may have it. Shoulder capsule may stiffen as a result of
any fracture on the armor surgery of the shoulder. Some of the conditions that
increase the risk are the stroke, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism,
cardiovascular ailments and Parkinson’s disease.
How is it Diagnosed?
As per
the signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder, the doctor can diagnose the
condition. Physical examination of the shoulder is necessary to diagnose the
exact situation. The extent to which the condition is severe is found through
the basic test. During the test process, the doctor will move the shoulders and
arms to see the extent of stiffness. The imaging test can determine any
structural problem in the shoulder. Some of the tests are Magnetic Resonance
Imaging and X-Ray. Hospice care may
be needed to address the symptoms of frozen shoulder. Just like the aim of tracheostomy care is
relieving breathing difficulty, the treatment here is alleviating pain or
bringing about pain relief. After the treatment is done, the shoulders gain
complete range of motion.
