The shoulder, essential for movement, operates as a modified ball and socket joint between the humerus and the shallow cup of the scapula.
Though this allows wide-ranging motion, it's somewhat unstable. The rotator cuff, consisting of four critical muscles, partnered with ligaments, stabilizes the joint. A lubricating capsule surrounds it, facilitating smooth motion.
However, with adhesive capsulitis, or Frozen Shoulder, this capsule thickens and tightens, resulting in pain and restricted movement.
Symptoms:
· Progressive stiffness, hindering simple tasks like dressing.
· Severe nighttime pain disrupting sleep.
· Quick atrophy of shoulder muscles, especially deltoids and rotator cuff group.
· Crepitus (grinding noise during movement) due to decreased synovial fluid.
· Sharp pain with shoulder elevation or external rotation.
Causes:
· Trauma, like fractures, can lead to secondary frozen shoulders.
· Primary frozen shoulders appear without known causes.
· Increased fibroblasts cause a sticky, thickened joint capsule.
· Persistent inflammation may resist initial anti-inflammatory treatments.
· Untreated tendonitis, notably in biceps / rotator cuff, can trigger the condition.
· Treatment and Rehabilitation Measures:
· "Pendulum exercise" for gravity-aided, passive mobility.
· NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with variable efficacy.
· Corticosteroid injections, providing relief by reducing inflammation.
· Physical therapy: wall crawls, towel stretches for muscle tone & mobility.
· Recognize and manage associated conditions, notably diabetes.
If you need assistance in the aforementioned then please feel free to schedule a consultation session with Chris Heunis.
Chris Heunis
Clinical Therapist
Healing Hands Jeffreys Bay & Eastern Cape
Member of CAMS (Complimentary & Alternative Medical Science) Institute
Tel No: 084 767 2913
Email: healinghandsg@gmail.com
Bookings: http://prohealing.booksy.net
