Your Guide to Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder pain is a particularly common complaint and whilst self-help is the mode of treatment pursued by many, relieving symptoms without professional assistance can only go so far. Frozen shoulder in particular affects many individuals, but what exactly is frozen shoulder, how is it caused and more importantly, how can you get the treatment you need to resolve it?
About frozen shoulder
As the name suggests frozen shoulder involves extreme stiffness and intense pain in the shoulder. As one of the most mobile and intricate joints in the body, the shoulder can be at the centre of many health complaints with frozen shoulder resulting through a number of everyday and one-off activities.
Frozen shoulder is referred to as adhesive capsulitis or shoulder contracture, and can occur gradually and worsen over time. This condition often occurs after prolonged shoulder pain with the stiffness and muscle tightness evolving into a more serious issue. Frozen shoulder occurs over three stages, known as freezing, frozen and thawing.
Do I have frozen shoulder?
Like general shoulder and back pain, frozen shoulder involves a number of symptoms, which can often make activities like walking and even sitting for prolonged periods of time painful. In the UK, around 1 in 20 people suffer from frozen shoulder with those aged between 40 and 60 years of age most at risk.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder include persistent pain, prolonged stiffness and difficulties completing daily tasks. Even sleeping comfortably can be difficult with frozen shoulder.
Causes and treatment
In the majority of cases frozen shoulder is the result of a previous injury or surgery. It can also occur in sufferers of diabetes, Dupuytren’s contracture, heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
There are a variety of treatments for frozen shoulder, physiotherapy is particularly effective whilst painkillers, corticosteroid injections and regular exercise can offer excellent relief. More information on the benefits of physiotherapy can be found at http://www.londonphysio.co.uk/physiotherapy-london-city/
