Frozen shoulder in medical term, called as adhesive capsulitis, it is characterized by painful and difficulty in moving the shoulder.

Phases of Frozen Shoulder

It generally involves three phases. Acute painful freezing stage which is characterized by severe pain in the shoulder, and the shoulder will be very hard to move. Your shoulder will not co-operate even in mild movements such as combing your hair or wearing a shirt. This stage usually lasts for about 6-12 weeks. The next stage is the frozen stage, during which the shoulder becomes even stiffer. The final stage is the thawing stage, during which the shoulder slowly regains motion. But, this takes very long time ranging up to a year.

Causes

There is no definite cause for frozen shoulder. Some of them believe that it develops after a serious injury to the shoulder. But it is not true. Here are some risk factors that increase the chances of becoming a victim of frozen shoulder. Women are more at risk than men. Individuals of age above 60 years are at high risk as the fluids that ease the movements of the joint start to reduce. Keeping the shoulder under restricted movement for a very long period either due to a shoulder injury or surgery increases the chance of developing frozen shoulder. In some patients, heart related problems, diabetes and lung related problems lead to frozen shoulder.

Diagnosis

Frozen shoulder can be easily diagnosed by the symptoms. An x-ray is generally taken to rule out other shoulder problems such as mild fractures or other orthopedic changes. MRI scanning is not essential, but if the chest x-rays smells foul it is recommended to go for an MRI scan. MRI scan is performed by injecting colored fluid so as to reveal the presence of any scars that generally associate with frozen shoulder.

Treatment

It takes a long time to recover full range of movement. During the various stages of frozen shoulder it is essential that you try to move the shoulder rather than restricting the movement with a fear of pain. Treatment generally involves motion therapy, medications, hydrodilation or surgery. Surgery involves making several small incisions over the shoulder region. Now, through these incisions a small camera and other equipment are inserted to cut the tight portions of the shoulder. Through this surgical procedure you will regain normal movement but physical therapy is essential for certain period to retain the acquired movement. The recovery period lasts for up to three months. If you do not wish to have a surgery and wish to have some improvement in your shoulder movement, then a physician may break some of the adhesion by giving anesthesia to regain some amount of movement. As the shoulder is moved forcedly, it may result in tearing of the shoulder muscles. Recovery period in diabetic patients is even more and longer than a year.

Prevention

There is great chance of developing frozen shoulder if you restrict the shoulder movement after an injury. If you observe some restriction in your shoulder movement, try to move it in all directions to prevent frozen shoulder.

Rick Missimer

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