Medically termed adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a debilitating and painful condition that can be characterised by the limited motion range and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
It happens more commonly to individuals aged between 40 and 60 and usually affects women more than men. In this post, we will talk more about the fundamentals of frozen shoulders, including how they happen to how we at Healing Hands can help you treat the condition.
How does it happen?
Frozen shoulders happen when the capsule around the shoulder joint thickens, tightening and restricting movement, resulting in shoulder pain. While the exact cause of frozen shoulders is not understood fully, some studies have shown that factors such as hormonal imbalances, diabetes, and immobilisation can lead to the development of the condition.
Some of the common symptoms and signs of frozen shoulders are:
- Shoulder pain, often worsening during the night times
- Limited motion range and stiffness in the shoulder area
- Difficulty in performing day-to-day activities, such as reaching overhead or dressing
Stages of frozen shoulder
There are three stages of a frozen shoulder, each with varying lengths of pain and symptoms:
Stage 1: Freezing stage – During this stage, the pain might increase at a gradual rate as the motion range decreases, lasting anywhere from six weeks to nine months.
Stage 2: Frozen stage – During this stage, the associated pain may reduce. However, motion range and shoulder stiffness may remain limited significantly, lasting anywhere from four to twelve months.
Stage 3: Thawing stage – During this stage, the associated pain may reduce further, and the motion range improves. This is usually the recovery stage, which typically lasts anywhere from six months to two years.
How can chiropractic care boost recovery?
Chiropractic care is an ideal and effective frozen shoulder treatment option. Through the focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and boosting joint mobility, chiropractors are able to help individuals with frozen shoulders regain optimal movement and function. Some of the other benefits that chiropractic care offers include the following:
- Posture correction: Poor posture can lead to developing a frozen shoulder. With chiropractic care, postural imbalances can be identified and corrected.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises: Chiropractic care includes more than manipulating your musculoskeletal system. To boost the recovery process, chiropractors also will recommend specific daily stretching and strengthening exercises that can help maintain proper joint mobility and boost overall shoulder function.
- Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractic treatment may incorporate several soft tissue techniques, such as trigger point therapy and massage, helping your tight muscles to relax as well as reducing any inflammation around the affected shoulder joints.
- Gentle adjustments: Chiropractic care employs the use of specific manipulation techniques to mobilise the affected shoulder joint, breaking up adhesions and restoring optimal motion range.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulders are limiting, painful conditions that can affect your quality of life significantly. However, they are not untreatable. With proper care and management, as well as timely chiropractic treatment, you are able to address underlying causes immediately, boosting your recovery process, restoring maximum mobility range, and relieving pain.
If you have experienced frozen shoulder symptoms, then do not hesitate to seek proper chiropractic treatments with Healing Hands Chiropractic. Our team of chiropractors are experienced in all sorts of pain and treatment process, including lower back pain treatment. On top of that, we also provide an extensive corporate health wellness program for companies.
Visit us at https://healinghands.com.sg/ to find out more about us today!
