Frozen Shoulder – A Stiff Shoulder Syndrome
In this article, we wanted to address a condition that causes a stiff shoulder more commonly referred to as a “frozen shoulder”. Although a person can experience a stiff shoulder from a variety of things, this condition is unique. Keep in mind that shoulders can stiffen up from too much exercise, which produces soreness making it difficult to move. Even sleeping wrong can cause muscles and ligaments to tighten, which results in a stiff shoulder.
However, with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, more formally called Adhesive Capsulitis” affects the joints. In this case, joints of the shoulder cannot move normally, causing serious pain. What happens is that the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint contracts and thickens, making it near impossible to move. With this, the synovial fluid found inside the capsule diminishes so the joint no longer has proper lubrication.
For this type of stiff shoulder, without the adequate amount of fluid, the joints are frozen. Although in some cases the person might be able to make small or certain movements, the primary joint movements would be restricted. Even the movements that the person can make would send out a shock of pain. Obviously, a stiff shoulder caused by Frozen Shoulder Syndrome is no laughing matter.
On rare occasion, a stiff shoulder caused by this syndrome is seen in athletes after experiencing some type or degree of trauma and the shoulder immobilized for some time. It can also be seen in people between 40 and 60 years old although bursitis and tendonitis are more common. What makes this type of stiff shoulder so mysterious is that it will show up for no reason whatsoever. In addition, Frozen Shoulder syndrome may affect just one shoulder or both.
The one common denominator found so far with this type of stiff shoulder condition is that many people develop it after having a virus. However, more research needs to be done to determine its exact cause. Regardless, when the stiff shoulder does occur, along with pain and stiffness, most people have to deal with a lengthy recovery period. In fact, cases of healing taking almost two years have been reported.
Doctors agree that prevention of this stiff shoulder condition is always the best course of action. To accomplish this, it would be important to keep a good range of motion with the shoulder joints through exercise, stretching, and proper diet so the body’s immune system is strong. Then, if someone were to see symptoms of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, instead of ignoring the problem they need to seek medical attention.
Initially, a stiff shoulder of this type would show up as motion restriction, followed by mild to moderate pain. Eventually, a person will actually wake up during the night finding it impossible to roll over onto the affected side. Then, as the stiff shoulder worsens, range of motion would be altered even more and the pain would not only intensify but also begin to radiate down the arm and into the hand.
If the doctor suspects that the stiff shoulder is due to Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, anti-inflammatory and pain medication would be prescribed. From there, the doctor may recommend some form of physical therapy to keep the joint mobile. Making Frozen Shoulder Syndrome even more of a mystery is that in most people, it disappears as quickly as it appeared.