Melting the frozen shoulder

Dr Nikita Raghav

Most never give thought about their shoulders and how much mechanism is involved for their functioning in our daily life. Shoulder is clearly one of the most used parts of our body. Until, with no prior notice and explanation, they demand attention.

Frozen shoulder, otherwise known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Sedentary lifestyle with longer hours of working on the computer and workouts is a common reason in men and women in cities especially. Women are most likely to suffer and for that reason you might consider ditching that heavy shoulder bag and loosening your tight bra straps.

Recently, my husband experienced frozen shoulder pain in the area where he was already injured several years ago. Just one day when we were working in the office his discomfort started without prior symptoms.

Typical symptoms include:

1.Dull, aching shoulder pain.

2.Sharp shooting pain when tried to move.

3.Restricted movements and frustration performing everyday activities such as putting on shirt, keyboarding, shampooing.

4.Inflammation in the form of swelling pain and irritation of tissues surrounding the joint capsule.

Remedies:

Frozen shoulder responds well with physical therapy treatment, getting the joint in motion is important as it breaks the physical scar tissue that has formed and reduces stiffness and immobility.

Hot and cold packs:

Prior to stretching, always apply a heat pack to the shoulder. This will loosen and soothe the muscles and joint for at least 10 minutes before you start physical therapies and stretching. After the stretching is done, one must apply cold pack on the painful area to reduce the flared inflammation caused during the stretching.

Stretching includes side to side pendulums, horizontal adduction/abduction and circular pendulum. Start slowly and eventually increase the swings with the range of motion, number of sets and finally use weights (starting lighter weights) to strengthen the shoulder. It’s natural to experience some pain in this no pain-no gain scenario.

Anti-Inflammatory medicines are usually prescribed to treat frozen shoulder. Other treatments also include steroid injection in the joint capsules depending upon the severity and age of the patient.

Therapies like chiropractic treatment, massage, and joint manipulation also help with thawing the shoulder stiffness.