If you notice that it has become painful to put your arms around someone or wash your own hair in the shower, chances are that you have issues with adhesive capsulitis. This problem is commonly referred to as ‘frozen shoulder’; it means that you experience soreness and stiffness in your shoulder joint, sometimes for upwards of a year or even two years.
The three periods
The problems begin because the capsule of the connective tissue that surrounds the tendons of your shoulder ligaments, bones, and tendons become tighter. Eventually people notice that everyday movements become increasingly painful. That is only the first stage of the problem.
The next stage means a reduction in pain, but a reduction in range of motion and an increase in stiffness. The final stage is referred to as the ‘thawing’ stage. This means that the person’s shoulder strength and range of motion begin to return gradually.
Research has shown that this painful condition often targets people between 40 and 60 years old, and it targets women far more often than men. Now that you know what a frozen shoulder is, what is it that you are able to do about it?
How does chiropractic help a frozen shoulder?
Chiropractic care is able to offer relief for most patients who struggle with a frozen shoulder. A recent summary of research studies, published in December 2012, showed that most patients saw a drastic improvement within a single month of chiropractic treatment. The first thing that a doctor of chiropractic is going to do is develop a tailored approach to the specific patient, based on the patient’s pain level and baseline range of motion. From there the focus is going to be on adjustments and making sure to strengthen the muscle in order to prevent muscular atrophy of important muscles in the shoulder. When combining this with treatment for inflammation in the joint space, the patient should see a reduction in pain and experience better overall movement.
Even though the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is unknown, it is true that the nerves that supply our shoulders joints and the surrounding tissues do begin in the neck. This means it is always a good idea to have a chiropractor assess the neck for vertebral subluxations that might otherwise explain the issue. It is possible to facilitate correct nerve function in the shoulder area by restoring proper movement in the spine.
How does massage therapy help a frozen shoulder?
It may not always be possible for massage therapy to alleviate issues with a frozen shoulder, but it can certainly make it far easier to deal with for the time being. There are a number of different massage options that can help the muscles in the shoulder area relax. The relaxation of the muscle is going to reduce the chances of inflammation. Additional inflammation related to a frozen shoulder could lead to swelling and tenderness.
Regular massage therapy is also able to improve range of motion for patients who suffer from a frozen shoulder. When the joints are tightening up, it means that flexibility is drastically restricted. By using massage therapy, it is possible to encourage the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the underlying tissues that desperately need it.
Why it is important to take action for a frozen shoulder
It is important to note that most people will improve with a frozen shoulder, even if they do not receive treatment. However, that does not mean that treatment does not have a number of different benefits. It can help increase the range of motion in the shoulder and drastically reduce pain until the shoulder is ‘thawed’.
Do not allow a frozen shoulder to hinder you in your daily activities, especially if you are able to help speed up the treatment process and ensure that it is less of a bother throughout your daily routine. If you want to know what the Chiropractors and Massage Therapists at Total Back Care are able to do for you, make sure to call 8357 8211 today and schedule your appointment.
