Frozen shoulder (which is also called adhesive capsulitis) can be a painful and debilitating condition.
Many treatments are available, but there is no specific way to cure frozen shoulder.
It is often diagnosed by doing an MRI or arthrography.
With an arthrography, die is injected into the affected area and an X-ray is taken.
This article will help to explain what frozen shoulder is and the causes.
Frozen shoulder is most often seen in 40-60 year olds.
It occurs more often in women than men.
It can occur for absolutely no reason.
Other risk factors that can cause frozen shoulder are - oDiabetics or persons with thyroid conditions are more susceptible.
oHeart disease and Parkinsons seem also to be a factor.
Frozen shoulder can cause limited motion.
This comes from scar tissue that has formed in the shoulder joint (these are also known as adhesions).
Sometimes injuries can cause this problem due to the immobility of the area.
The shoulder will then become stiff and painful.
The following will not cure frozen shoulder but are good treatments - oPhysical therapy - frozen shoulder treatment includes range of motion exercises, which loosen up the shoulder.
Many times ultrasound treatments, electrical stimulation and ice packs are used.
oAnti-inflammatory drugs - Tylenol and Ibuprofen are a few drugs used to eliminate or relieve pain and inflammation.
oHeat and cold are used to relieve the pain.
oCorticosteroids - These anti-inflammatory hormones are usually given in the form of an injection.
oSurgery - After all other methods are exhausted, surgery may be a requirement.
Scar tissue and adhesions are removed arthroscopically.
oShoulder manipulation can be done using a general anesthetic.
The shoulder can be manipulated while the patient is under anesthesia.
oElectrical stimulation - This involves using a TENS unit to relieve pain.
The TENS unit blocks the nerve endings and relieves pain to the affected area.
Although there is no way to cure frozen shoulder, the above methods can be very effective in relieving pain.