In today’s scenario, when everyone is working at their desk for 8 to 9 hours, it is quite common to experience stiffness in neck and shoulders. But if you are experiencing it frequently, then it is a red signal for your shoulders’ health. This stiffness can be a sign of Frozen shoulder.
This medical condition gradually affects the joint and intensifies the pain. Moreover, the shoulder capsule (tissues surrounding the shoulder joint) thickens, and it makes the movement of the affected joint a little difficult. Thereafter, the bands are formed of the scar tissues, and this can make the motion more difficult.
What are the signs of this painful shoulder problem?
Primarily, one may experience pain with stiffness in the shoulder, but at the initial stage, the pain is quite dull. The patient may feel pain in the muscles around the top of the arm and sometimes make it hard to sleep as well.
There are 3 phases through which this shoulder problem goes through and hence there are different symptoms which can help in identifying the intensity of the problem.
Phase 1: Freezing stage
- Gradually your pain and stiffness become worse, especially at night
- Experiencing extreme pain in the shoulder, whenever you try to move it
- Limited range of motion
- This phase lasts for around 6 to 9 months
Phase 2: Frozen stage
- Moving shoulder becomes harder and it is difficult to perform daily activities
- The pain becomes more intense
- This phase may last for 4-12 months
Phase 3 : Thawing stage:
- This phase is considered more tolerable as one gains range of motion
- The thickened capsule gradually loosens with time
- It is less painful and can last for anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Causes that can lead or increase the risk of frozen shoulder
Women who are in their 40s or 50s are more prone to develop frozen shoulder and it is observed that many women suffered from this shoulder and it coincided with their hormone replacement therapy, menopause, or perimenopause.
Moreover, if you are abstaining from shoulder movement due to any reason, then you are likely to experience this painful problem. People who are suffering from medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. are at a higher risk of getting affected by this problem.
Is there a treatment to get rid of this painful shoulder problem?
Frozen shoulder can be treated through 2 approaches- surgical and non-surgical. Your shoulder specialist will examine your current condition to suggest you the most effective option. You are recommended to perform some exercises that can help in regaining mobility and strengthen the targeted muscles. The surgical method is rarely used when the condition is severe.
Why should you get professional help soon?
Frozen shoulder is not just related to shoulder pain but can lead to neck and back pain if left untreated as you would change the way to perform day-to-day activities due to stiffness and this will put more strain on your neck muscles. People who are suffering from the frozen shoulder are also prone to get affected by tendonitis or any other type of tendinopathy.
So it is important to seek medical help for frozen shoulder treatment to avoid complications and get rid of the pain. If you are looking for a trusted shoulder specialist in Gurgaon, then can contact Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. Being an experienced specialist in this area, he will try his best to help you.