Do you often feel pain and stiffness in your shoulders? You could be suffering from adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects the range of movement of the shoulders due to stiffness. The condition can make the shoulders partially or completely immovable. It is commonly seen in people between 40 to 65 years of age.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of the condition is still unknown. However, it is thought that certain situations make the tissues in the shoulder joint susceptible to damage and develop into scar tissues. The shoulder joint slowly starts deteriorating over a period of time, limiting the movement of the shoulder. According to orthopedician Dr Shailendra Patil, the risk of developing the condition is greater in:
The risk also increases as you grow older and develop other chronic diseases. People suffering from thyroid problems and cervical disc disease of the neck are also at risk.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder
While pain, constant stiffness and reduced range of movement are the main symptoms of the condition, you should keep an eye on its early signs that gradually worsen over a period of years. Frozen shoulder is divided into 3 phases where the intensity of the key symptoms varies.
Phase 1 or the freezing phase: This is the initial phase, where you may experience intermittent pain in the shoulder region. It may last for 3-8 months. Stiffness will start developing gradually. The pain may worsen at night.
Phase 2 or the frozen phase: It is also called the 'adhesive phase' and may last for about 4-12 months. Without movement, stiffness increases and the shoulder muscle also starts getting affected.
Phase 3 or the thawing phase: It is also called the 'resolution phase' and may last for about 12-42 months. This phase arrives with proper treatment and care. In this phase, shoulder mobility gradually improves and the shoulder joint slowly regains its function.
Without proper treatment at the right time, the condition can worsen to the extent that it interferes with daily activities of the patients. 'One should visit the doctor when mild pain does not improve with time or worsens. Also, if the limited range of motion is affecting your daily activities, you should see the doctor,' says Dr Patil.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The doctor will first examine your shoulder for range of motion and stiffness. An X-ray is recommended in case you're not able to move your shoulder, to rule out arthritis. MRI scans may be needed to detect inflammation and formation of scar tissue.
'Frozen shoulder can be cured completely. There are so many treatment options like surgery, medication and physiotherapy available now-a-days and these options vary depending on the condition and symptoms of the patient,' says Dr Patil. Here are some treatment options:
Physotherapist Shipra Lakkha explains a simple exercise for keeping your shoulder joint active:
Allow your affected arm to loosely hang by your side. Now, slowly make very small circles with your arm (keeping the wrist straight and the arm hanging). Your arm should swing like a pendulum. Go clockwise for a while and then anti-clockwise. Do this for two minutes. Repeat this exercise two to three times a day.
Prevention
According to Dr Patil better control over sugar levels, regular checkups with the physician and regular exercise can help prevent the condition as well as slow down its progression.
Image Source: Getty Images
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