Your Health Q& A:I can't move my shoulder!

The frozen shoulder appears to be the main causes of shoulder pain which result in intense discomfort and limited shoulder mobility. Frozen shoulder also medically known as adhesive capsulitis . The signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years. The shoulder becomes very hard to move in many circumstances. Imagine our shoulder are like ball and socket between the shoulder bone and forearm bone. In frozen shoulder tends to pull the rounded head of forearm further into its socket.

What are the most common causes of frozen shoulder?

• immobility during recovery from a shoulder injury
• stroke

How frozen shoulder feels like?

• intense pain; dull or achy
• stiffness
• difficulty to move the shoulder

What is the best treatment for frozen shoulder?

• Analgesia to reduce the pain either in oral, intramuscular or patch
• An anti-inflammatory such as steroid in certain circumstances
• Muscle relaxants
• compression
• relaxation
• physiotherapy
• acupuncture
• chiropractor aid
• TENS

Will frozen shoulder gets better on own without treatment?

This happens in a very rare situation but possible if your joints are flexible.

Can I apply a hot pack to treat frozen shoulder?

No, cold works better so apply ice packs over the frozen shoulder.

Shall I go for massage for frozen shoulder?

massage therapy and routine stretches can significantly improve pain associated with a frozen shoulder which can reduce swelling and pain, ultimately helps to increase range of motion over the shoulder. However, choosing the right massage therapist is vital to achieving a cure.

Sleeping is literally difficult when suffering frozen shoulder, so how to overcome it?

The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder and enables smooth movement of the joint. It causes swelling and pain in the shoulder that can worsen at night because bed's position especially when lying on affected side which can further irritate and inflame the damaged muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff. Try out the following tips to overcome the problem:

• sleep on uninvolved side hugging a pillow across the chest
• avoid slumping and slouching
• try to keep your shoulders back and down away from ears

Are frozen shoulder always associated with fracture?

Not at all, the noises that are associated with pain may indicate damage to the surfaces of the joint. Such cracks and clicks may be due to tears at the area around shoulder joint, which may snap over the other structures as the arm moves.

What are serious signs or symptoms of frozen shoulder?

• shoulder joints look deformed
• unable to rotate the shoulder at all
• very intense pain
• swollen
• numbness and weakness of arm or hand

What is the next step if this condition worsen even after appropriate treatment?

Proceeded with imaging such as x-ray or MRI shoulder. Xray mainly to look for fracture but MRI gives definite answer to identify any damage to soft tissues such as rotator cuff tear or inflammation. However, it does not give definite diagnosis of frozen shoulder.Some orthopaedics may even consider an open surgical release for the few stiff shoulders which do not improve with a persistent effort at the exercises. This helps to cut through the adhesions, scar tissue and other structures that may be interfering with the motion of the shoulder.

How to prevent a frozen shoulder?

Gentle, progressive range of motion exercises, stretching and using shoulder more.

What are the physiotherapy exercises to treat frozen shoulder?

• Pendulum stretch; hang the affected arm and swing in a circle
• Towel stretch; hold a towel in a horizontal manner , grip over the affected arm and the normal arm to pull
• Finger walk; face the fall and use the fingers of the affected arm to walk
• Crossbody search; lift the affected arm with good arm
• Armpit stretch; bend the knee, stretch the armpit then strengthen

From kitchen to remedies:

• arm warm sesame oil over the frozen shoulder
• mix coconut oil and camphor to apply over the affected side

Soreness can be a new hangover but not bad always , could be a sign of new expansion!

Disclaimer: The information given above is from a qualified medical doctor aim to educate public in general regarding the illness but it is advisable to seek medical attention in the event of a serious condition or for proper advice.