The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Without it, you couldn’t swing your arms, play catch at the park, or lift items off shelves. But, what happens when you develop a stiff, painful shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a shoulder injury that causes pain, stiffness, and tightness. While it can be effectively treated, the recovery process can be lengthy—especially if you avoid a diagnosis at first.
Read on to learn more about frozen shoulder, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, officially known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (called the shoulder capsule) thickens. It becomes tight and inflamed, limiting the joint’s range of motion.
An estimated 4% of the population develops frozen shoulder. It’s much more common among people with diabetes, affecting an estimated 36% of diabetics. This is because elevated blood sugar can damage collagen fibers in the shoulder capsule over time in a process called glycosylation.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder symptoms are often divided into three stages: The freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage.
During the freezing stage, you may experience gradually worsening shoulder pain and stiffness. The pain tends to worsen at night and can make it difficult to perform basic tasks, like getting dressed and driving. This stage can last for up to nine months.
During the frozen stage, your shoulder pain may improve, although the shoulder remains stuck or tense. Shoulder stiffness can make it even more difficult to complete daily tasks at this stage, which can last for up to six months.
During the thawing stage, you’ll experience continued pain improvement and your shoulder will start to loosen up. As you make a full recovery, you’ll regain normal shoulder strength and mobility. This stage can last up to two years.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The root cause of frozen shoulder often can’t be identified. It’s triggered by inflammation in the shoulder capsule, which can result from a combination of factors including:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Previous shoulder injuries
Other underlying medical conditions, including heart disease, thyroid conditions, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease
Frozen Shoulder Treatments in Coral Springs
Frozen shoulder treatment typically centers around pain management and regaining mobility. This may be done with home remedies, like heat therapy, as well as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain medications. If these therapies don’t work, shoulder surgery may be an option, although it comes with various risks and downsides.
A Coral Springs chiropractor can help you manage frozen shoulder pain by gently stretching and mobilizing the shoulder joint, promoting a greater range of motion. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments and personalized strengthening exercises can reduce inflammation throughout the body while resolving imbalances that could be worsening your symptoms.
If you’re struggling with chronic shoulder pain, the experienced team at Wasserman Chiropractic is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
