Frozen shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a thickening and hardening of the shoulder joint due to inflammation, scarring and adhesions on the connective tissue. When this occurs, movement of the shoulder joint is severely impeded, sleep can be interrupted and daily tasks, such as dressing, become difficult.
Frozen shoulder is often associated with prior injuries or inflammation, arthritis, disc problems and times of inactivity (eg. illness). It is also more common in women, diabetics and those with thyroid conditions. In Chinese Medicine it is often associated with stress and in my treatment of various neck and shoulder problems (including frozen shoulders), I have observed that symptoms most commonly worsen during times of stress. Frozen shoulder can be a painful and frustrating condition and it is important to begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
If you know anyone suffering from pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulders please forward this information to them.
Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
Conventional treatments include pain-killers, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and surgery. It is my opinion that pain medications, used correctly, can lead to faster healing due to greater compliance with exercises, however cortisone injections should be used with caution (it is generally advised that no more than three be given into any one joint as it can lead to degeneration of joint cartilage). Surgical options must be considered on a case-by-case basis, as any surgery will leave further scarring.
Acupuncture can be very affective in treating frozen shoulder and associated problems, however the most successful recoveries I have seen occurred when treatment included massage and assisted stretches, gentle daily exercises (as prescribed by a physiotherapist), and heat before and during the treatment. Other therapies such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion and the use of warming liniments may also aid recovery.
If you know anyone suffering from pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulders please forward this information to them.
Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
Conventional treatments include pain-killers, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and surgery. It is my opinion that pain medications, used correctly, can lead to faster healing due to greater compliance with exercises, however cortisone injections should be used with caution (it is generally advised that no more than three be given into any one joint as it can lead to degeneration of joint cartilage). Surgical options must be considered on a case-by-case basis, as any surgery will leave further scarring.
Acupuncture can be very affective in treating frozen shoulder and associated problems, however the most successful recoveries I have seen occurred when treatment included massage and assisted stretches, gentle daily exercises (as prescribed by a physiotherapist), and heat before and during the treatment. Other therapies such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion and the use of warming liniments may also aid recovery.