Frozen shoulder is a common disorder that causes stiffness, pain, and a loss of range of motion in the shoulder. Those suffering from frozen shoulder know its debilitating effects that often result in serious disability. Intervention for frozen shoulder is crucial as the condition tends to worsen over time if left untreated.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Dull or achy pain
- Difficulty moving the shoulder
- Stiffness
- Pain in the top of the arm
- Decreased range of motion
What causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically occurs following an injury or inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Sometimes the inflammation or injury is due to overuse or repetitive motion injuries. When frozen shoulder occurs, the shoulder becomes immobilized as the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder thicken and contract, leaving the tissues unable to stretch at a normal capacity. As the frozen shoulder becomes more advanced, adhesions or scar tissue begin to form within the shoulder joint capsule, leaving the frozen shoulder sufferer with more pain and even less range of motion.
What to Do About a Frozen Shoulder
The shoulder joint itself is complex as it has a wider and more varied range of motion than any other part of the body because of the ball-and-socket mechanism of the gleno-humeral joint. The shoulder capsule is surrounded by ligaments, tendons, bursae, muscles, and synovial fluid. Treatment for frozen shoulder requires a multi-factorial approach because of the complex makeup of the shoulder capsule.
At Abundant Life Health Center, we believe it is crucial to evaluate the shoulder using a whole-body approach. We evaluate the shoulder structurally, neurologically, and metabolically making sure no stone is left unturned. Our approach to treatment involves in-office passive care as well as home rehab active care. Our goal is to not only correct your frozen shoulder but equip you with the tools to maintain a lasting correction and get you back to your normal activities and routine. If you think you have a frozen shoulder or are developing one, contact our office for a detailed exam.
