< Frozen shoulder >

Frozen shoulder is a type of muscle problem in which movement of the shoulder becomes restricted. The person suffering from the problem has to deal with severe pain whenever he tries to move his shoulder muscles. The pain felt in this problem starts slowly at first and then grows with the passage of time before it starts waning. A frozen shoulder might take months to heal even if it is given proper treatment. It is one of the most common types of muscle problems that occur mostly in women. The age range in which a person is most likely to develop this problem is between 40 to 60.     

Descriptions

Frozen shoulder is caused because of the inflammation of the shoulder capsule, a group of connective tissues that cover the shoulder joint. When inflamed, the tissues of the shoulder capsule become extremely tight, making it hard for the joint to move. Moreover, this inflammation is accompanied with a dip in the production of the synovial fluid that keeps the shoulder joint lubricated. Without the lubrication fluid, moving the joint becomes painful. This is the reason why this condition is given the name of frozen shoulder since the shoulder becomes immovable as if it is frozen. The reason why frozen shoulder occurs can be due to an injury or lack of use of the shoulder joint because of a fracture. People with diabetes are more likely to develop this muscle problem.

Types

Frozen shoulder, which is medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis is of two basic types. The first type is that in which the cause of the inflammation of the shoulder capsule is unknown, while the second type is one in which the cause is trauma. There are three stages in which the frozen shoulder progresses. The first stage is called freezing in which the pain slowly builds up and makes it hard for the patient to even lift his shoulder. This stage can last from 3 to 8 months and is the most painful stage of the problem. The second stage is called frozen in which less pain is felt, but the range of motion of the shoulder joint remains restricted. This stage can last for about 4 months. The third and last stage is called thawing and it can last anywhere from 2 to 3 months. In this stage the healing process begins and the pain becomes negligible, but the movement of the shoulder is not up to full strength.  

Symptoms

The most striking and evident symptom of frozen shoulder is experiencing pain in moving the shoulder joint. The pain is usually aching in nature and prevents the patient from his shoulder for doing routine work. For instance, the patient would find it hard to raise his arm and pick things up located above his shoulder height. The pain and the inability to move the shoulder gradually increase, rendering the shoulder incapable of making any movements at all. Another sign that the pain is being caused due to a frozen shoulder and not any other reason is that pain would only be felt in moving one of the two shoulders. 

Treatment

The treatment for frozen shoulder begins with pain killers that are given to suppress the pain felt by the patient. Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are prescribed as the first line of treatment which is followed by administration of cortisone injections. Besides reducing pain, these medications decrease the inflammation of the shoulder joint and the swelling that might have developed. For increasing the range of motion however, the only treatment option available is physical therapy. The frozen shoulder patient is asked to do simple range of motion exercises passively at first, and then actively as the pain reduces and the strength in the shoulder joint improves.   

Diet

Since frozen shoulder is caused due to inflammation of the connective tissues, taking an anti-inflammatory diet is considered a way for the patient to recover quickly. Although there have been no scientific studies that prove this theory but nutritionists believe that by increasing your intake of foods like nuts, oily fish, seeds, ginger and fresh vegetables and fruits can help frozen shoulder patients in making a speedy recovery. 

Remedies

^{The use of an ice or heat pack is among the most effective home remedies for reducing frozen shoulder pain. Acupuncture and massaging the joint with olive oil are also among the remedies that}