Frozen shoulder or in scientific terms adhesive capsulitis is a condition that is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint that hinders your movement and affects your daily life activities.
The shoulder joint may have nearly lost all of its mobility in this case.
Let us discover more of it. And also find out how to cure frozen shoulder?
Table of Contents
Onset Of The Frozen Shoulder
This is usually seen in elderly patients where the pace of hardening of connective tissues is significantly increased.
According to a study done by the National Library of Medicine. Frozen shoulder affects 2-5 % of the general population.
This frozen shoulder involves the thickening of the capsule of connective tissue around the shoulder joint. This condition mostly affects women aged between 40 and 60 years of age.
But there could be some other medical issues that can also be the cause of this painful spasm in both men and women.
Those medical issues include the following;
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cardiac issues
Signs That Frozen Shoulder Is Starting to Thaw
This frozen shoulder issue has a pattern in its succession. It is a gradual process and usually takes the following stages:
Stage 1: Initiation
In this period you will observe some slight pain and you will observe that there is some problem in moving your shoulder up or in any free direction.
This span can take different times depending upon your diet and lifestyle. If you follow a healthy lifestyle incorporated with exercise then it may take a year or so to notice this frozen shoulder in its full swing.
Stage 2: Full-on Frozen Joint
If you have noticed some pain and mobility issues and have left the issue untreated then the next stage is far worse.
As in this case, the shoulder is pushed to the immobile stage and there is no movement associated with it.
You might have taken some painkillers in this phase which may have resulted in lowering the pain but the stiffness is there making daily activities far more tough and burdensome.
Stage 3: Thawing Period
After a tiresome and painful journey of about a year or so, you may observe the signs that the frozen shoulder is starting to thaw on its own.
You may observe that there is less stiffness and pain around the shoulder joint region but the motion may not be fully recovered.
A full range of motion can only be achieved by proper treatment and consultation with the orthopaedic doctor.
But yes the frozen shoulder can return to its normal functioning on its own.
What Does Frozen Shoulder Feel like?
You may diagnose this painful condition on your own as it will be difficult to manage daily tasks.
The frozen shoulder may feel like a painful spasm of shoulder muscles but in fact, it is the issue with the joints around the shoulder joint.
Diagnosing a Frozen Shoulder
To be on the safe side and to be completely assured of your health, it is always the best practice to consult the doctor who may suggest you have your X-ray or MRI done. This may help the doctor to suggest the best possible solution only then.
What Are The Treatment Options to Cure a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder may recover on its own but there are two main concerns that need to be addressed, the pain and the immobility issues.
Pain can be alleviated by using painkillers, they can be of varying potencies. Some individuals find the over-the-counter painkillers to be as effective as any painkiller made specifically for joint pain.
The other concern can be dealt with the exercise methods and alternative therapies. There are different methods that you can take to improve the mobility of the shoulder joint.
RELATED: Read more about these alternative therapies and their benefits in treating pain and immobility issues.
Exercises to Treat Frozen Shoulder
Following are some stretching exercises that are deemed perfect for this case, but it is essential to warm up your body before doing these exercises.
A warm pad or a warm towel may be placed on the affected region for a mere 2 to 3 minutes but don’t be too aggressive.
Towel Stretch
Hold a rolled-up towel with both of your hands on the back. Gently pull upward the rolled-up towel with your good arm. This will push the affected arm and will help to lessen the pain. Repeat the exercise 10 times a day with intervals in between,
Cross-Body Reach
Sit in a comfortable position. Also, the sitting position shouldn’t put a strain on your back. When you are in a perfect position, gently pull your affected arm with your good arm to the other side of the body.
Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. Do this exercise 10 times a day with adequate intervals in between so that you may not put extra pressure on your shoulder.
Wall Walk
Stand at least an arms-length from a wall. Slowly put your fingers on the wall and move your fingers upward to shoulder level.
Hold there in that position and then slowly release the fingers downwards. Repeat this procedure at least 10 times for better results.
Pendulum Stretch
Stand by a table or support, lean over slightly, and put your affected arm downwards.
Swing the arm in small circles. This will help to put your entire arm muscles in movement that will subsequently improve your frozen shoulder.
There are some other methods that you can take up to ease the mobility of the frozen shoulder.
What Are The Surgical Options Available to Cure a Frozen Shoulder?
The above-mentioned exercises can help to maintain the health and mobility of your shoulder but if the exercises don’t prove fruitful for you then the surgical methods can be suggested by your doctor. The severity of the pain and the degree of immobility will decode the best possible solution. The surgical methods and the details which you want to know are as follows;
The arthroscope method of surgery is a frequently administered method. In this method, the arthroscope tube is put into your shoulder with small cuts that will help to release the pressure and the tension around the joint. After the surgery, you may be advised to take physiotherapy sessions.
In the worst cases, your doctor may suggest you undergo open surgery. The cuts would be much larger in that case and you may stay at the hospital for a day for routine checkups. The rest of the period will be taken up by the physiotherapy sessions that will help to regain mobility and maximum strength.
What Foods To Take In This Condition?
Anti-inflammatory foods should be incorporated into your diet. This may include the following
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Lentils
- Spices like turmeric
- Garlic
- Ginger
Vegetables that are rich in antioxidants should be used and this may include the following
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Sweet potatoes
Fruits that have anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants in them should be used and it may include the following
- Berries
- Pineapple
- Red grapes
- Figs
- Oranges
Takeaway Note
Thus from the above discussion, it is clear that this frozen shoulder issue is most common among elderly patients and it is not a fatal or a dreadful condition.
With proper care and proper diet intake you can cure a frozen shoulder and can avoid it as well.
If you want to gain the best advice on this issue and want to know the best exercise for yourself then contact the best orthopaedic surgeon in your town.
