Suffering From Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is name given to stiffness and pain in the shoulders. The pain may be due to several reasons but if any movement in the shoulder is painful then it is called a true frozen shoulder.

An MRI scan is able to tell about exact condition of the muscles and the tendons. Frozen shoulder often affects only one side of the body.

Something About Anatomy

It is easy to damage to the shoulder joint. This is because a single movement of the shoulder is result of coordination of several muscles and tendons which are not very robust.

The joint is placed well between the humerus (upper arm), clavicle (color bone) and scapula (shoulder blade). Most of the movements of the shoulder are with the help of ball and socket joint of the humerus and scapula.

Several small muscles participate in the movement, sliding over tendons. The structure also carries bursas, fluid filled sacs, which provide protection to the tendons. Hence, the joint is at a high risk of tear.

Diagnosis and Treatment

X-ray examination is not very helpful. Getting an MRI scan done is highly recommended to know existing condition of the shoulder joint. In case of difficulty in movement, rotate the shoulder blade by lifting the arm outwards. The act can be done slowly to improve the movement.

Normally, frozen shoulder heals with proper rest and time. Natural healing time of a frozen shoulder is nine to fifteen months. If it does not heal or the pain interferes with day to day work then visit the health care provider immediately.

More sophisticated treatment is needed if the shoulder loses movement completely, accompanied by severe pain.

Response to the chosen treatment is noted by using fibreoptic endoscope.

NSAIDs are prescribed to give relief from the pain and reduce the inflammation of the joints. Biggest side effect of these anti-inflammatory drugs is that they may increase irritation of the stomach lining.

Since these drugs are to be taken for several months, the choice of the drug should be done carefully. In very rare cases a steroidal injection can be given at the joint site to decrease pain and inflammation.

Alternative treatments include heat treatment, physiotherapy and selected exercises.