FROZEN SHOULDER / ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS
Frozen shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis is a condition affecting the gleno-humeral joint of the shoulder. The condition is regarded as a phenomenon, very little is understood about what causes the condition. Pain and stiffness in the shoulder can be caused by many things, frozen shoulder is often misdiagnosed. Osteopaths are specially trained to diagnose and treat shoulder conditions. Once your prognosis is confirmed, appropriate treatment will be given. Its important to note that frozen shoulder injuries can take a long time to heal with or without osteopathic care, but Osteopaths are regarding as one of the best practitioner to consult for improved symptomatology and long term recovery. Within the glena-humeral joint, the capsule of ligaments are formed like an accordion. In order to perform the task of reaching over ones head, the capsule needs a profound amount of flexibility and range of movement. Since ligaments do not possess the ability to stretch like muscles, this accordion affect performs the job perfectly. It is however, this folding in the capsule at rest when the fibres begin to merge and stick together, thus limiting range of movement. Typically, there are 3 phases to the condition. A freezing phase (joint stiffening up), a frozen phase (the joint is significantly restricted) and a thawing phase (the joint starting to increase range of movement) lasting up to 18 months. Symptoms include shoulder pain, stiffness and aching around the shoulder with pain becoming more widespread as the weeks go on. Lying down at night can be very difficult and painful. Carrying bags, moving the shoulder, daily tasks become very hard to perform and painful. With the reluctance to move the shoulder through pain, the muscles can begin to atrophy and waste away.
WHAT PRACTITIONER AT THE AARK CLINIC SHOULD I SEE?
Osteopaths spend a lot of time treating frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder pain. Receiving treatment as soon as possible can sometimes prevent the condition progressing into the other 2 stages. Many times the condition is exacerbated by other musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the upper back and neck. Shoulder pain is often caused or accompanied by postural compensations, repetitive strains and shoulder impingement. If you suspect you are developing frozen shoulder, please feel free to book or consult Lloyd Tilney, The Aark Osteopath, for advice and treatment.
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