Frozen shoulder is a painful condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and movement becomes limited. Frozen shoulder occurs when the supporting structure around the shoulder joint (capsule) becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. 

The condition is called "frozen" shoulder because the more pain that is felt, the less likely the shoulder will be moved. Lack of use causes the shoulder capsule to thicken and becomes tight, making the shoulder even more difficult to move and so it is "frozen" in its position.

TYPES

Primary: Primary frozen shoulder is “out of the blue” frozen shoulder, occurring without any obvious connection to any other condition.

Secondary: Secondary cases appear following other medical problems, such as an injury to the area, the onset of diabetes, or even a surgery that has nothing to do with the shoulder.

Both types probably involves the same underlying vulnerability, but some triggers are more obvious than others on.

RISK FACTORS

  • Age: Adults, most commonly between 40 and 60 years old.
  • Gender: More common in women than men.
  • Recent shoulder injury: Any shoulder injury or surgery that results in the need to keep the shoulder from moving.
  • Diabetes: Having diabetes increases the chance of having frozen shoulder.
  • Other health diseases and conditions: Includes stroke, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), parkinson’s disease and heart disease. 

COMPLICATIONS

  • If left untreated, frozen shoulder may cause: Pain in the shoulders
  • Loss of mobility
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Muscle trouble that can worsen and persist for a long time
  • Complete immobilization is also a common complication of frozen shoulder.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

SYMPTOMS

The "freezing" stage: In this stage, the shoulder becomes stiff and painful to move. The pain may increase at night. Inability to move the shoulder increases. This stage lasts upto 9 months. 

The "frozen" stage: In this stage, pain decrease, but the shoulder remains stiff. This makes it more difficult to complete daily tasks and activities. This stage lasts 2 to 6 months.

The recovery stage: In this stage, pain lessens, and ability to move the shoulder slowly improves. Full or near full recovery occurs as normal strength and motion return.

CAUSES

If the joint stays immobile for long time due to injury, surgery, any sort of illness, pain etc then range of motion of the joint starts to get limited which can trigger more inflammation and stiffness along with pain. If you have diabetes then the condition would get more aggravated.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

  • It is based on your sign and symptoms along with a physical examination.
  • Physical examination of your arms and shoulders: The doctor will move your shoulder in all directions to check the range of motion and if there is pain with movement. This type of exam, in which your doctor is moving your arm and not you, is called determining your “passive range of motion.” The doctor will also watch you move your shoulder to see your “active range of motion. ”The two types of motion are compared. People with frozen shoulder have limited range of both active and passive motion.
  • X-rays of the shoulder: to rule out arthritis of shoulder.
  • MRI and ultrasound: (not needed to diagnose frozen shoulder) but to look for other problems, such as a rotator cuff tear.

TREATMENT

In conventional treatment, painkillers are given to obtain relief from pain in first stage. Shoulder manipulation and shoulder arthroscopy is also done sometimes. 

Homeopathy can obviously help to relieve pain without side-effects. It would also help in treating the root cause like diabetes or any other thing.

MANAGEMENT

  • Hot and cold compresses: These helps reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical therapy: Stretching and range of motion exercises taught by a physical therapist.
  • Home exercise program: Continue exercise program at home.
  • Some common stretching exercises:

    1) Crossover arm stretch: Holding the upper arm of the affected side, gently pull the arm across in front of you, under the chin. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat.

    2) Pendulum stretch: Stand with the shoulders relaxed. Lean forward with the hand of the unaffected arm resting on a table. Let the affected arm hang down vertically and swing in a small circle, around 1 foot in diameter. Increase the diameter over several days, as you gain strength.

    3) Towel stretch: Grab both ends of a towel behind your back. With the good arm, pull the towel, and the affected arm, up toward the shoulder. Repeat 10 to 20 times a day.

    *These exercises should be guided by a doctor, or a physical therapist.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

  • Given that a frozen shoulder is a benign, self-limiting condition, conservative treatment options are the first choice for management in the first stage of the disease. 
  • Some homoeopathic medicines useful in cases of frozen shoulder are, rhus tox, sanguinaria, ferrum met, bryonia, causticum, phytolacca, ledum pal, rhododendron etc. 
  • These remedies is to be taken after consulting a registered homoeopath only.

    Disclaimer: This article is written by the doctor or the practitioner (author) for informational purposes only. Please DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. Always consult a practicing homeopath before taking any medicines. Practo or the author will not undertake any responsibility for anything that might happen to the user of this information.


DO’S AND DON'TS

DO’S

  • Apply cold and hot compresses everyday.
  • Do the physical exercises regularly without fail.

DON'TS

  • It is very important for people with a frozen shoulder to avoid re-injuring the shoulder tissues during the rehabilitation period. 
  • These individuals should avoid sudden, jerking motions of or heavy lifting with the affected shoulder.