Unlocking Frozen Shoulder: Chiropractic Treatment Solutions

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It is a frequently misunderstood ailment that can have a significant impact on daily activities like dressing, driving, or even sleeping, leading to frustration and a decreased quality of life.

Let’s explore what frozen shoulder is, who can be affected by it and how chiropractic care may provide some relief.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a physical condition in which your shoulder becomes limited in its movement or even can get stuck. There is tissue surrounding the shoulder joint called a capsule – hence the medical name of capsulitis – and it’s the inflammation of the capsule that causes the reduced mobility of the joint.

How Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?

Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually over time – maybe 2 to 9 months, know as the freezing stage - with the pain increasing and mobility decreasing. It then moves into the actual frozen stage which can last 4 to 12 months, where the pain might lessen a bit but the stiffness increases significantly. Then in the final thawing stage, movement begins to improve bit by bit over time, maybe from 5 to 24 months.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder and Who is at Risk?

The causes of frozen shoulder are not completely understood, but several factors are known to contribute to its development, and may include:

• Age and Gender: It's more common in people aged 40 to 60, and women are more likely to develop it than men.
• Immobilization: Prolonged immobility of the shoulder, such as after an arm injury, surgery, or stroke, can lead to frozen shoulder. This is because a lack of movement allows the shoulder capsule to thicken and tighten around the joint.
• Systemic Diseases: Certain diseases are associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. These include diabetes (especially noteworthy as a significant risk factor), thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease.
• Other Health Conditions: Conditions like rotator cuff injury, bursitis, and tendinitis that cause inflammation of the shoulder muscles or tendons may also contribute to the development of a frozen shoulder.

Can Chiropractic Care Help with Frozen Shoulder?

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free option for managing frozen shoulder. Here's how chiropractors may help:

• Joint Mobilization: Through gentle movements, chiropractors may mobilize the shoulder joint, improving flexibility and decreasing pain. These techniques aim to restore the shoulder's natural range of motion.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors may use soft tissue therapies like massage to relieve tight muscles around the shoulder, potentially aiding in mobility and pain reduction.
• Customized Exercise Recommendations: Exercise programs tailored specifically for your condition are crucial in the recovery from a frozen shoulder. These exercises, guided by your chiropractor, focus on restoring strength and flexibility.
• Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors may provide valuable advice on lifestyle changes and ergonomic adjustments to prevent exacerbating the condition and to promote faster healing.

Better Health May Be for You

Frozen shoulder can be a debilitating condition, but there's hope. Chiropractic care offers a holistic and effective approach to manage the symptoms and aid in recovery. If you're struggling with a frozen shoulder, consider consulting a chiropractor to embark on a journey back to mobility and comfort.

Contact us today to explore how chiropractic treatments may enhance your health and well-being.

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