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Frozen Shoulder Demystified: Uncover the Causes and Symptoms
Frozen Shoulder Demystified: Uncover the Causes and Symptoms (by Sportsperformance Physiotherapy)
What is 'frozen shoulder'? Does it only happen around the age of 50?
The formal name for 'frozen shoulder' is Adhesive Capsulitis. When the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed, fibroblasts will be produced to repair the inflammed part, but this can lead to progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder, resulting in a decreased range of motion in the shoulder. It is commonly seen in patients around the age of 50, so a common Chinese term ‘50-years-old shoulder’ is used.
However, it does not only affect those age of 50. Young people may also have shoulder joint injuries due to improper exercise techniques, and people who frequently raise their arms for housework may also suffer from frozen shoulder. Factors such as poor posture, excessive strain, and inadequate rest can also contribute to a frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder can generally be classified into 'primary frozen shoulder' and 'secondary frozen shoulder'. Learn about the causes of Frozen shoulder.
- Primary: onset is generally idiopathic (it comes on with no attributable reason)
- Secondary: can be the result of several predisposing factors:
1. Caused by trauma, sprains, fractures, or arthritis.
2. Post-stroke and post-injury: may lead to reduced shoulder movement and gradually stiffen up the joint.
3. Repetitive lifting activity such as occupational overuse, sports-related injuries, causing tendonitis, shoulder arthritis, bursitis, etc.
4. Diabetes patients are more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder, and the symptoms may be more severe in individuals with diabetes than in the general population.
Do you have any of these symptoms of "Frozen Shoulder"?
In most cases, limited shoulder movement is accompanied by severe pain, which can disrupt sleep. Patients also experience significant pain and loss of joint mobility, severely affecting daily life.
The symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:
- Shoulder joint pain: This is one of the most common symptoms. The pain is most noticeable at the top or outer side of the shoulder and may extend to the upper arm. The pain can gradually worsen, leading to restricted shoulder joint movement.
- Difficulty with external and internal rotation of the hand: E.g. the inability to reach the back to scratch an itch or women having difficulty unfastening their bras independently.
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder: e.g. Inability to raise or reach objects at a high level. Severe cases may result in difficulty combing hair or dressing.
- Nighttime pain: The pressure exerted on the affected shoulder while sleeping, leading to disrupted sleep and reduced sleep quality.
To properly diagnose your shoulder's pain, you should make an appointment to seek advice from a professional physiotherapist or medical expert.
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