Frozen shoulder is usually seen in persons aged 40-60 years old.
It can be very painful and debilitating.
The person can be male or female.
The condition is not always seen in the dominant arm.
The occupation of the patient does not seem to be a factor in this condition.
The symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain located in the outer shoulder area or upper arm and a dull ache when the shoulder is moved.
Pain or stiffness or loss of motion can occur in the shoulder joint.
Diabetics are very susceptible to this condition.
An injury can also trigger frozen shoulder if the area is immobilized for a period of time.
Frozen shoulder is caused by a thickening in the shoulder cavity around the shoulder joint.
This, in turn, can cause restricted motion or stiffness.
If the problem is minor, frozen shoulder therapy can be indicated, many times using rotator cuff exercises.
The three stages of frozen shoulder are - oFreezing stage - There is a slow onset of pain.
When the pain increases, there is loss of motion.
oFrozen stage - The pain improves, but the stiffness is still there.
oThawing stage - The motion comes back slowly.
When diagnosing frozen shoulder, X-rays or MRI's are generally used.
When frozen shoulder does not get better on its own, anti-inflammatories can be used to alleviate the pain.
When that does not help, frozen shoulder therapy may be indicated.
This therapy includes range of motion exercises.
These exercises help to stretch the affected area.
Heat and/or nerve blocks can be added to reduce the pain.
Surgery is a last resort when there is no improvement.
Anesthesia is used to be able to force the shoulder to move.
Sometimes, incisions are used to help stretch the shoulder area.
After surgery, treatment consists of physical therapy.
Recovery usually takes six weeks to three months.