The Heat Is On For Painful Conditions!
Summer is usually a prime time for soaking up the sunshine and diving into outdoor activities. Yet, too many of us find ourselves sidelined, relying on medications to manage pain instead of fully enjoying the season. A common disruptor of summer fun? The condition often known as a “frozen shoulder.”
Does this ring a bell? Keep reading, especially if you or someone you care about wants to stay off the bench this season.
What Is A Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically termed adhesive capsulitis, is a disorder that restricts normal shoulder movement due to pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint capsule. This limitation occurs not only when attempting to move the shoulder but also when movement is externally applied.
What Causes A Frozen Shoulder?
This condition arises from inflammation, scarring, or thickening within the shoulder joint capsule. Normally, this capsule of ligaments lets the shoulder bones move freely. However, inflammation can severely restrict or even halt this movement. While the exact cause of inflammation often remains unknown, several factors can contribute, including diabetes, shoulder injuries, surgery, tendonitis, bursitis, cervical disc disease, chronic inflammatory arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or chest-related surgeries.
Symptoms To Watch For
The hallmark symptoms of a frozen shoulder are pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of shoulder movement. Typically, the pain begins first, discouraging normal shoulder and arm use. If the shoulder remains immobile for too long, such as in a sling, it becomes stiffer, further limiting motion. Unlike other conditions that cause similar symptoms, a frozen shoulder is unique in that the joint won’t move, even with external assistance.
Diagnosing A Frozen Shoulder
Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination, noting when symptoms started and what activities exacerbate them. During the physical exam, our chiropractor, Dr. Steven Gillis, will assess the shoulder’s range of motion and attempt to move the joint manually. Although X-rays or MRIs might be ordered to pinpoint other potential causes of immobility, frozen shoulder typically presents with a noticeable reduction in the shoulder capsule or scar tissue.
We Can Help!
Our expert team at the office of Dr. Steven M. Gillis located in beautiful West Hollywood, CA, is here to guide our community toward achieving optimal health through various treatment methods including chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and laser therapy. Let us help you restore your quality of life to its fullest—happy and, most importantly, pain-free.
For Your Health,
Dr. Steven M. Gillis
