Watch that freeze in your shoulder

HEALTH

Surprisingly, the winter season has nothing to do with this particular problem. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis as it is also known, is a condition that causes restriction of motion in the shoulder joint. A problem related to the ageing process, frozen shoulder is an extremely common problem and worsens if not treated in time.

The cause of frozen shoulder has still not been completely understood, though it has been established that as you grow older, you are more prone to developing this problem. Studies have also shown that the chances of getting a frozen shoulder almost double if you are diabetic.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule that holds the shoulder joint in place starts adhering to the bone, making it difficult for the shoulder to move or leading to painful movement in the shoulder. The problem is common among those over 50 years of age and often the recovery is up to 100 per cent normal movement.

Ideally there are three stages to a frozen shoulder. The first is the freezing stage, which is also the most painful stage and lasts 6-12 weeks. Then comes the frozen stage that can last for 4-6 months and in which the pain eases up though the stiffness worsens.

The last is the thawing stage, which is when the shoulder gradually begins to regain movement and this can take up to a year or sometimes even longer.

However, as the diagnosis gets delayed the condition enters into numerous stages that require different kinds of treatment.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr S K S Marya explains, "While the initial stage can be cured through gentle exercises, as the stages progress you may require a formal physiotherapy programme or even a steroid injection."

So, it is very important that you treat the shoulder as soon as you feel even the slightest pain in moving the shoulder. Agrees Dr Shreedhar Archik, consultant orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai, "Prolonging the treatment means aggravating the problem. In some cases when the inflammation is very aggressive, we have to use a machine called shoulder arthroscopy."

Though there are no precautions you can take for a frozen shoulder, diabetics are advised to keep their diabetes in check and avoid putting strain on the shoulder.