Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a fairly common – but very uncomfortable – condition where shoulder movement becomes restrained. The term “frozen” is used for this medical condition because as more and more pain is felt in the area, making the shoulder less and less usable (and ultimately “frozen”), the connective tissue around the shoulder joint begins to thicken and stiffen and become inflamed.
Ouch!
Frozen Shoulder Reasons and Risk Factors
Those at risk of developing a frozen shoulder? Read on:
There are various reasons that increase the risk of frozen shoulder development. Some reasons and risk factors mentioned in frozenshoulderclinic.com/frozen-shoulder/ include:
- Trauma or Surgery to the Shoulder
Folks who receive a shoulder injury, or had shoulder surgery, can acquire frozen shoulder. This is because lengthy joint immobilization puts patients at a high risk of promoting frozen shoulder syndrome - Age
People between the age of 40 to 60 years old are most often affected by frozen shoulder. Furthermore, the syndrome is doubly affected by women over men, in general - Diabetes
Patients who suffer from diabetes are twice as likely to acquire frozen shoulder. People with diabetes also tend to get more severe symptoms that are even more difficult to treat. - A Rotator Cuff Tear
This type of shoulder tear can lead to calcific tendonitis, increasing the chance of the development of frozen shoulder - Recent Shoulder Injury
Any type of injury to your shoulder, resulting in the need to keep the shoulder from movement, is a risk for a frozen shoulder. - Systemic Conditions
There are a number of systemic conditions, including heart disease and Parkinson’s disease, that have been related to an elevated risk for the promotion of frozen shoulder - Psychosomatic Reasons
It is simply a hypothesis, but it is believed that some patients develop frozen shoulder because of feelings of severe stress, restriction of emotions, and strong feelings of pressure in decision-making processes
The Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
Initial steps for diagnosis of frozen shoulder include going to your physician for a complete physical exam, and having tests that include x-rays. Shoulder x-rays are also often taken to ensure the symptom causes are not related to other issues with the shoulder, like arthritis. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are typically unnecessary with diagnosis of frozen shoulder. They may, however, be taken in order to look for other medical issues that are shoulder related.
The Recovery Stage
During the recovery of frozen shoulder, pain begins to lessen and your ability to move the painful shoulder slowly starts to improve. Full and or near full recovery happens as your normal shoulder strength and motion begin to come back. The complete recovery stage usually takes from 6 months to 2 years. For more information on frozen shoulder, check out this website frozenshoulderclinic.com/frozen-shoulder/.
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