Understanding Adhesive Capsulitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Osteopathic Solutions
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This ailment significantly restricts mobility, affecting one's ability to perform daily tasks and causing discomfort
Adhesive capsulitis occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, leading to the thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule. As a result, the range of motion in the shoulder becomes limited, causing pain and stiffness. While the exact cause remains unknown, factors such as previous injuries, diabetes, prolonged immobilisation, or hormonal imbalances may contribute to its development.
Frozen Shoulder is more prevalent :
In women, approximately 70% of individuals with frozen shoulder, are females.
Among individuals 35-65 years old.
Within the diabetic population, with an occurrence rate of 20% .
If an individual has had Frozen Shoulder, there is a 5-34% chance of having it in the contralateral shoulder at some point as well.
Frozen shoulder progresses through three overlapping clinical phases:
Acute/freezing/painful phase: Gradual onset of shoulder pain at rest with sharp pain at end range of motion, and pain at night with sleep interruption which may last anywhere from 2-9 months.
Adhesive/frozen/stiffening phase: Pain starts to subside, there is progressive loss of shoulder range of motion. Pain is apparent only at extremes of movement. This phase may occur at around 4 months and last till about 12 months.
Resolution/thawing phase: Spontaneous, progressive improvement in functional range of motion which can last anywhere from 5 to 24 months. Despite this, some studies suggest that it may last up to three years. with restriction of movement potentially continuing beyond three years.
Effective treatments can shorten the duration of the symptoms, pain and disability.
Symptoms of Adhesive Capsulitis:
Pain: Persistent and deep-seated pain in the shoulder joint, often worsening at night.
Stiffness: Gradual loss of shoulder mobility, making it challenging to perform simple tasks.
Restricted Movement: Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or out to the side.
Progressive Nature: Symptoms tend to worsen over time if left untreated.
Osteopathic Approach to Adhesive Capsulitis:
At Tugun Osteopathy, our practitioners focus on a wholistic approach to alleviate the discomfort caused by adhesive capsulitis. Here are some of the key strategies:
Manual Therapy: Osteopathic manipulative treatment involves gentle stretching and manipulation techniques to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain.
Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercises and stretching routines aim to increase shoulder strength and flexibility, aiding in the restoration of normal movement.
Postural Correction: Addressing any underlying postural imbalances or habits that may contribute to shoulder issues, promoting better alignment and reducing strain on the shoulder joint.
Patient Education: Providing patients with insights into self-care techniques and ergonomic adjustments to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
Recovery from adhesive capsulitis varies for each individual, but with consistent Osteopathic care and diligent adherence to prescribed exercises and lifestyle modifications, significant improvement can often be achieved.
Adhesive capsulitis can significantly impact one's quality of life, but it doesn't have to be a permanent setback. Through our Osteopathic interventions tailored to the unique needs of each patient, we aim to restore shoulder function and alleviate discomfort, enabling individuals to regain their mobility and live a pain-free life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of adhesive capsulitis, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced Osteopathic team. Let us help you on the journey to reclaiming shoulder health and overall well-being.
Remember, this blog post serves as informational content. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.