Did you know that your shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion in your whole body? No other joint can move around quite like your shoulder joint can, so when it gets stiff or painful you will definitely notice. While the shoulder joint has such a wide range of motion, it lacks some stability that makes it more vulnerable to injury. If you don’t remember recently injuring your shoulder but start to notice pain and stiffness gradually getting worse in your shoulder then you might have what’s commonly known as frozen shoulder. Look for “orthopedic doctors near me” to meet with an orthopedic doctor who can diagnose this shoulder condition.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is the more common name for what the medical field calls adhesive capsulitis. If you are suffering from this shoulder condition then you may have noticed shoulder pain and stiffness. These symptoms tend to get worse over the course of a few years and do not appear suddenly. If you start to notice pain and stiffness that affects your range of motion in the shoulder joint, then talk to an orthopedic doctor about what to do next.
Frozen shoulder can occur in anyone, though you are at higher risk for this condition if you have recently undergone a medical procedure or suffered an injury that prevented you from using the full range of motion in your shoulder and arm. Some medical procedures or injuries may require you to temporarily immobilize the arm, but avoiding movements altogether can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
Seeing a General Practitioner vs. a Specialist
When you are diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, you will want to see a specialist who can treat your shoulder condition effectively. While your general practitioner is great for routine physical exams, colds, and wellness checks, a specialist should address a complex condition like frozen shoulder. Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating this type of condition and can identify what stage of frozen shoulder you are in and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder
The first thing you might notice about frozen shoulder is pain in one shoulder that may get worse at night, especially if you are used to sleeping on your side. This type of shoulder pain can even impact a quality night of sleep. The first stage of frozen shoulder begins when you start to notice that your pain is actually limiting your mobility in that shoulder. When this stiffness increases, you may find that it is difficult to use your arm or shoulder at all, which is where the term frozen shoulder comes from because it feels frozen in place. The final stage of frozen shoulder is known as the thawing stage when you start to regain range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
There are several treatment options for frozen shoulder and your orthopedic doctor can talk about what will work best for you and what stage of frozen shoulder you are experiencing.
1. At-Home Remedies
As soon as you start to notice shoulder pain, you can begin at-home remedies to help ease the pain and soothe your stiff shoulder. You may try over-the-counter pain medications that can address your shoulder pain and any inflammation inside the joint. Icing your shoulder can also soothe the area and help to reduce inflammation.
2. Manual Therapy
Your doctor may recommend manual therapies like massage or chiropractic adjustments to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy range of motion in your shoulder joint. Therapeutic massage can help address pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint, and a chiropractor can further assess the functioning of the joint and its alignment.
3. Stretches and Exercises
Stretches and exercises can help to support the range of motion in your shoulder and arm to help avoid loss of mobility. Your doctor may be able to walk you through stretches and exercises that you can continue to practice at home that can help release your frozen shoulder.
4. Surgical Interventions
In serious cases, your doctor may recommend more invasive options like steroid injections or surgical procedures to remove scar tissue that is affecting the joint.
If you are having trouble with your range of motion in your shoulder due to pain and stiffness, then visit AICA Lithia Springs for a consultation. Learn more about our team of orthopedic doctors who work alongside physical therapists, chiropractors, and orthopedic surgeons so you can get the care you need in one convenient location!