It’s impossible to comprehend the pain and discomfort of the condition known as frozen shoulder, unless you’ve experienced the condition personally. The symptoms can start quite quickly, with pain increasing and mobility reducing. The condition may last for some months, growing steadily worse. Although it may not be a condition most associated with chiropractic treatment, regular chiropractic sessions can make a huge difference to the recovery process as approximately 2% of the population experience a frozen shoulder at some point in their lives. More women than men suffer from this condition – mainly, those women between the ages of 40 and 60.
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint and it is this design that affords such a full range of movement but a frozen shoulder is a progressive condition and often takes up to 12 months to fully develop, with pain levels increasing too.
There are many potential causes of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) including:
• Upper torso surgery
• Myocardial infarction
• Trauma or injury
Within the shoulder, the synovial capsule thickens, and there is less lubrication as a result. Thick strands of tissue known as adhesions start to reduce normal mobility. In addition, it is considered that, if the shoulder joint is not used for lengthy periods of time, mobility decreases and the joint tightens up but there are also autoimmune conditions which can trigger similar sensations of pain and stiffness. Other potential causes of this condition is as a result of thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis therefore is especially important along with early manipulation and treatment. Any patient who has experienced a rotator cuff repair or has had repair to the labrum tissue and this could develop a frozen shoulder. There is the possibility of those who have had a mastectomy to also develop this condition.
It is best for anyone who considers they may have a frozen shoulder to seek out a diagnosis in the first instance and be prepared that it takes time. Early treatment is really useful rather than enduring it and hoping it would heal. Fortunately, a visit to a Chiropractor can start the healing curve fairly quickly once an initial assessment has been carried out and by using a combination of manipulation and physical therapy. This ascertains the extent of the condition and helps with pain management too. There are numerous baseline range of motion tests and some tests that will ascertain the levels of pain experienced and these tests allow an accurate health recovery plan to be created. Sleep deprivation can also increase any pain response and so it can help if the individual commits to good sleep hygiene – going to bed and rising at approximately the same times each day. Relaxation techniques may also help reduce the potential for insomnia.
Chiropractic treatments alongside physical therapy and some ‘do at home’ exercises will help to increase motion within the joint but will also prevent the muscles in the shoulder from shrinking, reducing the potential for muscular atrophy. Most patients will start to see or feel an improvement and regular sessions will help to alleviate the pain and stiffness experienced.