Living With Frozen Shoulder
October 27, 2009
If you are experiencing stiffness and pain in the joint of your shoulder, it is possible that you are suffering from frozen shoulder. The medical term for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis.
This debilitating condition could prevent you from performing your regular activities involving movement of your hands. It has been observed that the incidence of frozen shoulder usually occurs after the age of 40. Women, more than men, are more likely to suffer from this condition.
Frozen shoulder causes
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule encasing the bones, tendons and ligaments of the shoulder joint becomes thick and contracted. The exact reason responsible for this condition is not yet known. Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Shoulder immobility due to arm fracture, injury to the rotator cuff, stroke or surgery makes a person vulnerable to frozen shoulder. People suffering from diabetes, overactive or under active thyroid gland, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases and Parkinson’s disease have increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder symptoms
Frozen shoulder could last up to a period of two years. The symptoms of the disease start gradually, followed by worsening of the symptoms. After experiencing debilitating pain, the symptoms cease gradually, healing the condition naturally. In the early stage, the patient experiences excessive pain. The range of movement of the shoulder joint becomes limited.
The painful initial stage of frozen shoulder is followed by the frozen stage. During this stage, the pain reduces slowly, but the shoulder becomes stiffer with further decrease in movement. In the last stage, also known as thawing stage, the symptoms start improving, gradually healing the condition naturally.
Frozen shoulder home remedies
Medications, physical therapy, and in few cases, surgery might be needed for treating frozen shoulder. Applying warm compress on the affected shoulder three to four times a day could help to reduce the pain. Epsom salt bath could help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with frozen shoulder.
Besides heat compress, applying ice bag can also help to reduce the pain. You are your best judge to decide whether you need hot or cold compress. The pain often interrupts sleep. To sleep peacefully, place a pillow underneath the affected shoulder. Always move your hand gently. A sudden fast movement could only worsen your pain.
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