It is a condition that affects your joints of the shoulder. It is a pain and stiffness that gets worse gradually and then goes away with time. It can take from one to 3 years to completely recover. Shoulder is made up of three bones that form a ball-and-socket joint. These three bones include the humerus, scapula and collarbone. There is a tissue that surrounds your shoulder and keeps everything together known as shoulder capsule.
Capsule tissue becomes thick and tight because of the frozen shoulder. A fluid known as synovial fluid becomes less and results in less joint lubrication. Consult the best physiotherapist in Lahore near you if you are also facing pain in shoulder joints. He will suggest the best treatments. If you are experiencing any pain and stiffness in your shoulder, it could be a frozen shoulder. Here are a few things that you need to know about it.
Symptoms
Some major symptoms of a frozen shoulder include pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It becomes difficult to even move your shoulder. If you are facing a frozen shoulder, you will feel pain in one shoulder. This pain gets worse at night and it becomes difficult to sleep. Some symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in shoulder joint
- Pain in upper arm
- Difficulty in sleeping on one side
- Less mobility
- Less usual shoulder movements
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
There are three major stages of frozen shoulders. Each stage has its own unique symptoms. These include:
- Freezing Stage
- Frozen Stage
- Thawing Stage
1.Freezing Stage
During this stage, the patient suffers from shoulder pain at any time. It becomes difficult to move the shoulder. This pain gets worse at night. It lasts between 6 to 9 months. It also limits your shoulder movement.
2.Frozen Stage
At this stage pain gets better but stiffness gets worse. It becomes more difficult to move your shoulder. It lasts between 4 to 12 months.
3.Thawing Stage
At this stage your stiffness and pain starts to get back to normal. It can take 6 months to 2 years.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of the frozen shoulder is unknown. It happens more in women than men and especially between the ages of 40 and 60. This risk may increase if you are recovering from medical conditions like stroke, or surgery that prevents your arm movement. Certain underlying medical conditions can also increase the risk of frozen shoulders. Most people suffering from diabetes are more likely to get frozen shoulders. Some other diseases like heart diseases, thyroid etc. are also associated with frozen shoulders.
Diagnosis
A physiotherapist can diagnose your condition. They’ll check the movement and the intensity of pain. This examination has two parts which are active and passive. During the active part, the physiotherapist allows you to move your shoulder on your own. However, in the passive part, they’ll move it for you to see the differences. He will also suggest an injection of anesthetic for your shoulder. This injection will numb the pain. A physical exam is enough but your doctor can also suggest some tests like X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to find out other problems that can also cause pain.
Treatment
Some anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and inflammation in your shoulder. You can also consult your doctor for better options. He might suggest some strengthening and stretching exercises. During intense conditions, your doctor might suggest some other treatments:
1.Corticosteroid Injection
This injection helps to reduce pain and improves your movements.
2.Joint distention
In this treatment, sterile water is injected into your capsule tissue. It helps to move your shoulder more easily.
3.Physical Therapy
It is useful during different phases of frozen shoulders.
4.Surgery
If any treatment does not work out, your doctor may suggest surgery.
5.Shoulder Manipulation
It can help to loosen up your shoulder tissues. It is a very rare process because chances of fractures are more.
Recovery
It is a very lengthy process but it depends on the mobility. During some cases patients recover within 6 months to 1 year. However, early treatment and regular physical therapy will decrease the length of rehabilitation period.
Prevention
As the exact cause of the frozen shoulder is difficult to point out. You should always keep moving your joints and exercise regularly. If you are facing any difficulty in your shoulder consult your doctor. Eating a balanced diet is very important especially if you are diabetic. Make sure that your medical conditions are under control.
Conclusion
If you are also facing any pain or stiffness in your shoulder consult your doctor as soon as possible. It is better to have proper management for quick recovery. Ask your physiotherapist because he can guide you the best treatment according to your condition.
