Frozen Shoulder Syndrome:  What is it?

Has your shoulder suddenly lost movement?  Is it painful or stiff? You may have “Frozen Shoulder Syndrome”, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Affecting up to 5% of the population, this is a fairly common ailment.  It can often occur after an injury, overuse, or even after a disease such as a stoke or diabetes.  The tissues around the shoulder joint can stiffen is a short amount of time, causing pain and limiting range of motion.

 

Although rare in athletes, Frozen Shoulder can often follow a more typical injury of a highly physically active person.  Some of the more susceptible athletes include swimmers, wresters, tennis players, baseball players, and rugby players.  The symptoms can come on quickly, within just a few days.  Even unusual twisting or reaching, such as reaching to pick up a purse or computer bag in the backseat of a car can cause the shoulder to lock-up.

 

Sudden movement or even taking off a jacket can cause an immediate streak of pain in the affected area, transforming a normally mundane task into a monumental undertaking.  Raising the arm, or moving it side to side or over the opposite shoulder may feel impossible to do. With a rapid onset, Frozen Shoulder may persist for weeks or even years, and if left untreated or improperly treated, can become debilitating or even permanent. The good news is that there’s help, albeit a potentially show process:

 

1. Medical Attention: Of course, the priority should be to visit your medical professional to properly diagnose and schedule treatment for the injury.
2. Diet: Help to detox the body with a sensible diet and good dose of daily H20.
3. Rehab: Follow a medically-suggested rehab routine, which can include deep massage, muscle-strengthening, and stretching exercises.
4. Pain Medication: Doctor-prescribed pain medication such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol), and/or anti-inflammatory drugs (like Ibuprofen) may offer relief.
5. Time:  Although Frozen Shoulder may get better on its own, the longer you wait to receive a professional, medical diagnosis and treatment could add a great amount of time in the healing process.

 

From a frozen shoulder syndrome prevention standpoint, proper diet and exercise is the key.  Keep your body well nourished and hydrated, and move your body.  Core exercises and daily stretching can help prevent Frozen Shoulder, as well as a list of other injuries.  Also, the healing process and time for any injury can be greatly reduced if the body is working from a platform of strength and overall health.

 

Ref:

i. http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/chiropractic/curing-the-frozen-shoulder

ii. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/frozen-shoulder-beyond-the-basics

iii. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/basics/definition/con-20022510

 

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Dr. Kevin Crawford