Frozen Shoulder in Vacaville

A frozen shoulder in Vacaville is a shoulder joint that suffered a huge loss of its range of motion in all directions. The range of motion can become limited when the patient attempts motion and when the doctor tries to move the joint fully while the patient relaxes. The medical term for a frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis.

Frozen shoulder facts in Vacaville

• A shoulder injury can lead to adhesive capsulitis.
• A frozen shoulder may require aggressive treatment.
• A frozen shoulder can be diagnosed during an examination.
• Scarring, shrinkage, and thickening of the joint capsule can cause a frozen shoulder.
• Frozen shoulder signs and symptoms include loss of range of shoulder movement, pain, and stiffness.

Frozen shoulder causes

When the capsule surrounding the normal shoulder joint experiences inflammation, scarring, shrinkage, and thickening, then frozen shoulder may be inevitable. A shoulder injury like bursitis, tendinitis, and rotator cuff injury can also lead to the development of this condition. This condition happens more often on people with risk factors of diabetes, chronic inflammatory arthritis of the shoulder, or after a breast or chest surgery. When the shoulder joint is under long-term immobility, it can put people at risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a frozen shoulder include shoulder pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion in the shoulder. Range of motion can become limited when the patient or examiner tries to move the joint. Using the shoulder too often can increase the pain while the symptoms can make sleeping uncomfortable.

Diagnosing a frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder can be determined during an examination when its range of motion becomes significantly limited, with either the patient or examiner attempts to move it. The underlying diseases involving the shoulder can be diagnosed through the patient's examination, history, blood testing, and X-ray examination of the shoulder.

If needed, the diagnosis can be confirmed when an X-ray contrast dye is injected into the shoulder joint to view the characteristic shrunken shoulder capsule of a frozen shoulder. This test is called arthrography. An MRI scan can also help evaluate the tissues of the shoulder.

Frozen shoulder treatment

An aggressive treatment for a frozen shoulder may be required, which includes a combination of physical therapy, cortisone injection(s) into the shoulder, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. If this aggressive approach is neglected, adhesive capsulitis can become permanent.

Maintaining proper physical therapy can go well with recovery. A physical therapist may use stretching, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice packs, range-of-motion exercise maneuvers, and eventually strengthening exercises. Physical therapy can take weeks to months for recovery, depending on the severity of the tissue scarring around the shoulder.

People with a frozen shoulder should avoid reinjuring the shoulder tissues during the rehabilitation period. Anything that involves sudden, jerking motions of or heavy lifting with the affected shoulder should be avoided.

There are cases when a frozen shoulder is resistant to treatment. When this happens, a patient may be recommended for release of the scar tissue through arthroscopic surgery or manipulation of the scarred shoulder under anesthesia. This can physically break up the scar tissue of the joint capsule. However, this treatment approach can risk breaking the arm bone. Before this, patients are encouraged to partake in an active exercise program for the shoulder after the procedure. A continued exercise involving function and mobility should be strictly followed.

For more help on frozen shoulder and other associated pain, you can contact the clinic of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Just dial the number (707) 474-5688 to schedule an appointment today!