Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a disorder that causes discomfort and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The emergence of symptoms is gradual, worsening over time before finally disappearing. The entire procedure takes one to three years to complete. One of the indicators that doctors use to identify the condition is the limited range of motion in the shoulder, which is a prominent symptom. An x-ray can be done to see if the problem is caused by an underlying condition like a broken bone or arthritis.
Frozen Shoulder: What Causes It?
The shoulder is one of the body’s most active joints. It has a large range of motion and can withstand a lot of wear and tear in everyday use. The joint is a web of ligaments and tendons that link bone and muscle together. The entire thing is encased in a connective tissue capsule. When that tissue thickens, it constricts, causing the shoulder joint to stiffen. This limits movement and causes discomfort.
In some situations, an injury or other ailments are the cause, while in others, the cause is unknown. People with diabetes and other chronic conditions are more prone to develop the syndrome, according to some data. It’s also more common in persons who have had an arm fracture or surgery, which causes their shoulder to be immobilized for an extended period of time. Women (especially postmenopausal women) are more vulnerable, and it most commonly affects adults aged 40 to 70.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
The majority of frozen shoulder treatments focus on preserving the joint’s range of motion and reducing pain. The first line of defense is usually over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. They aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain. In more serious cases, though, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers. Physical therapy is another possibility.
Other treatments for frozen shoulder include:
- Shoulder manipulation – while the patient is under general anesthesia, the doctor rotates the shoulder to relax the constricted tissue.
- Joint distension– Injection of sterile water into the joint capsule to cause joint distension. The tissue is stretched, and range of motion is improved.
- Steroid injection– Corticosteroids are given directly into the shoulder joint in a steroid injection.
- Surgery – this is a last choice, so it’s quite unusual, but the doctor may go into the shoulder joint and remove adhesions and scar tissue.
Frozen Shoulder and Chiropractic
Frozen shoulder can be helped with chiropractic treatment. Many individuals visit their primary care physician first to acquire a diagnosis and make sure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed before turning to chiropractic. Most chiropractors, on the other hand, have the ability to assess a patient using x-rays and other diagnostic instruments.
Chiropractic care can assist to alleviate discomfort, increase range of motion in the shoulder, and hasten rehabilitation. Treatment is determined by the presence of symptoms, the severity of the ailment, and the length of time the patient has been afflicted. The Niel Asher Approach is a standard chiropractic technique for treating frozen shoulder. Manipulation of the joints and muscle tissues is involved. To assist relieve pain and treat the issue, the chiropractor applies pressure and stretches critical points. It has the potential to make a significant difference in the patient’s life.