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 Frozen
Shoulder
By Dr. Adam Wysotski
Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis is a three-stage progression
by which the shoulder stiffens to the point where movement of the
arm behind the back or over the head becomes very difficult. Often
people first become aware of this condition when they can no longer
comb their hair or reach the top shelf. As time goes on the arm
becomes very restricted in every direction of movement and a nagging
pain develops in the front/side of the shoulder.
The primary cause of frozen shoulder is not known. It is thought to
be associated with cervical disc disease, diabetes, thyroid
disorders, trauma, and upper back disorders. Frozen shoulder
is rare in people younger than 40 years of age and more common in
women 40-65 years.
Frozen Shoulder normally occurs in three phases over a period of 2 years.
The first phase is characterized by swelling and tendonitis like
pain in the arm/shoulder area (2 to 9 months). The second phase
occurs when the stiffening and progressive loss of motion in the
shoulder sets in (4-12 months). The third phase is called the
thawing phase lasting 6-9 months where motion in the shoulder
increases and the pain decreases. Often people will go directly
through the second phase without having gone through the first
phase.
After the third stage of frozen shoulder (when the arm/shoulder loosens
up), many people find that they never fully regain the full range of
motion that they once had. Weakness in their arm is also a common
problem. Overall, if frozen shoulder is not looked after properly it
can become a frustrating 1-2 year battle that ends with an arm that
never becomes fully functional again.
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When frozen shoulder is diagnosed and
managed properly, much can be done to counter the stiffening phase.
Also, the thawing phase can be sped up, sometimes avoiding several
months unnecessary waiting. In addition the pain associated
with frozen shoulder is often relieved when mobility and strength in
the arm returns. Most importantly, with proper treatment patients
can often regain the full range of motion and strength that they had
prior to frozen shoulder.
We offers a specific program at Lakeridge Chiropractic for treating
frozen shoulder. The program begins with a detailed
examination/analysis, after which the problem and treatment plan is
explained to the patient. Treatment is carefully monitored and
results are recorded after each visit with periodic reassessment.
Patients are given specific shoulder exercises and stretches to
perform at home. Health professionals often fail to make their
patients an active part of the healing process, and all to often
language is used that is not understood by the patients. We
believe that the patient should be fully informed so that they
understand their condition and can take an active role in recovery.
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