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Frozen shoulder refers to a condition when shoulder joint losses range of motion in all directions. It also causes stiffness of the joint. It usually affects one shoulder at a time. Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It is named, as frozen shoulder as the movements of shoulder is restricted to some extent only.
About 2 percent of the general population is affected by frozen shoulder. Most affected are the women between the age group of 40 and 70. Frozen shoulder affects 10 percent to 20 percent of the individuals suffering from diabetes. Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder is injured or immobilized for a period of time.
A frozen shoulder is diagnosed during examination when the shoulder range of motion is limited, with either the patient or the examiner attempting the movement.
Symptoms for Frozen shoulder
Pain due to frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It develops gradually in three stages.
- The first stage is known as freezing stage. The shoulder pains with a small movement also. This stage lasts from six weeks to nine months. With the preceding time the shoulder loses its motion.
- The second stage is known as frozen stage. The shoulder becomes stiff but the pain disappears. The shoulder completely loses its motion during this stage. It lasts from four months to nine months.
- The third stage is known as thawing stage. In this stage the movement of shoulder starts coming to the normal. This usually lasts from five months to twenty-six months.
Causes for Frozen shoulder
There are various causes of frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the result of inflammation, scarring, thickening and shrinkage of the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint. Any injury to the shoulder can lead to frozen shoulder. The main cause of frozen shoulder is diabetes, chronic inflammatory arthritis of the shoulder. It can also occur due to chest or breast surgery. Long-term immobility of the shoulder joint can put persons at risk to develop a frozen shoulder. Various other causes of frozen shoulder are:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Shoulder fracture
- Neurological disorders
Treatment for Frozen shoulder
The treatment of frozen shoulder involves various stretching exercises and the main aim of these exercises is to increase the joint motion and to minimize the muscle loss of the affected arm.
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