Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues in your shoulder joint become inflamed and so become thicker and tighter. The symptoms of frozen shoulder are swelling, pain and stiffness. Often when pain is felt you will limit your movement, and this leads to increased stiffness. In severe cases, the stiffness can become so great that the arm is unable to move.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Long periods of inactivity of the shoulder, for example following surgery or injury, may cause the inflammation and tightness associated with frozen shoulders.
A person susceptible to inflammation, due to, for example, a weakened immune system, may result in a frozen shoulder.
Increased, or prolonged levels of stress or anxiety also are a source of inflammation. We are aware that tension gathers in our shoulders and causes tightness. Therefore, sustained stress or anxiety may also lead to a frozen shoulder.
Treatment
A frozen shoulder lasts typically between 1.5 and 2 years, however, it can last up to five years.
Medication such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory creams or tablets, and in severe cases steroid injections can help relieve the inflammation and pain. However, these do not address the cause of the pain and can have adverse side effects.
At The Hannon Clinic, we use physical treatment, such as re-alignment, manipulation, massage, stretches and exercise can all help to regain movement of the shoulder. Coupled with determining the cause of the pain.
Where the cause of the frozen shoulder is stress or anxiety, the treatment will involve teaching you proven techniques and tools to address the stress or anxiety in your life.