What you need to know
Our shoulder joints are “ball and socket” joints that give us a huge range of motion. The joint allows us to move our arms in many different ways to perform tasks.
A frozen shoulder is characterized by the immobility or restricted movement of the shoulder joint.
Chiropractic therapy can produce great results for your frozen shoulder.
Symptoms
People who develop frozen shoulders will most likely notice pain and stiffness. The stiffness may affect your ability to carry out everyday activities. In severe cases, you may not be able to move your shoulder at all. When the pain subsides, the shoulder then starts to “freeze,” losing its flexibility and mobility. Typically, it is a slow and progressive disorder. Symptoms can take months to fully develop, with pain increasing over time.
Chemical changes that take place in the joint cause tissues to form which limit the flexibility and mobility of the joint. Because of this, the articular capsule in the joint thickens and produces less lubrication. The condition may improve with time, but this can sometimes take several years. The earlier you receive a diagnosis, the more likely it is that treatment can help prevent long-term pain and stiffness.
Causes
- Injuries and trauma
- Myocardial infarction (one example is heart attack)
- Surgery in the upper torso such as in the arm, shoulder or chest.
- Lack of use
If the shoulder remains immobilized for long periods, the joint will begin to tighten. Chemical changes such as an autoimmune response may cause the joint to stiffen ultimately causing more pain.
Systemic Disorders
A large percentage of patients who have systemic diseases – conditions affecting the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part, are more likely to be diagnosed.
Surgical Patients
Patients who have undergone surgery, such as rotator cuff repair are also vulnerable. Women who have under a mastectomy, as well as, the people who have undergone cardiovascular surgeries, are at risk. Upper body surgeries often prohibit movement of the shoulders and arms, causing frozen shoulders.
Chiropractic treatment can produce great results for your frozen shoulder. Our staff at Beyond Wellness Chiropractic Center will evaluate and develop a plan for you. Our treatment along with exercises you can do at home will tackle your frozen shoulder and increase your range of motion. Exercise will also build the muscle around your shoulder to prevent muscle atrophy or the wasting away of muscles. Failure to work on stretching and exercise at home will delay the recovery process.
Though frozen shoulder has many causes, there is a treatment that can help. At Beyond Wellness, we will treat your frozen shoulders. Our chiropractor is an expert in diagnosing and treating the issue. He can help to help resolve your pain and regain your range of motion, so you can return to your normal routine.
