Read Avoid Sitting the Bench with A Frozen Shoulder and Neck Pain This Year! by Dr. Amit Patel DC to learn more about Ipswich Spine Clinic and our practice in Ipswich, Suffolk.
We look forward to serving you! Call – 01473 232 002.
Understanding What is a Frozen Shoulder
A Frozen Shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder cannot be moved normally due to pain and inflammation in the joint capsule of the shoulder. Limited range of motion not only occurs when the individual tries to move the shoulder, but even if shoulder movement is forced. The pain may be isolated, but most often it is accompanied by neck pain.
Causes of a Frozen Shoulder
A Frozen Shoulder is caused by inflammation, scarring, or thickening that occurs within the capsule of the shoulder joint. The capsule of ligaments in the shoulder joint allows the bones in the shoulder to move freely within the joint, and if this becomes inflamed, the bones in the shoulder may have difficulty moving or may not be able to move at all. In many cases, there is no known cause for the inflammation and the condition arises from lack of use of the shoulder joint. Some causes that can lead to the condition include diabetes, shoulder trauma or injury, shoulder surgery, tendonitis, bursitis, cervical disc disease, chronic inflammatory arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or any type of surgery located in the chest or breast.
Indications of a Frozen Shoulder
The primary symptoms of a frozen shoulder are pain, stiffness, and limited shoulder mobility. In most cases, the condition begins with pain that prevents you from using your shoulder and moving your arm in a normal fashion. As you cease to move your arm because of the pain, or if you keep it immobilized for too long (such as by putting it in a sling), the shoulder becomes stiff and eventually you cannot perform certain functions or movements. The main difference between frozen shoulder and other conditions that may cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility is that with a frozen shoulder, the doctor cannot make the shoulder joint move even by manually moving it.
The Analysis
The first step in diagnosing a frozen shoulder will include taking a complete medical history and physical examination. Questions will be asked related to when the symptoms began, what activities caused the symptoms, and how limited the movement of the shoulder is. The shoulder will be examined and range of motion tests will be performed. The doctor will try to move the shoulder joint manually, and if that cannot be done, a diagnosis of frozen shoulder is made. X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to determine if there is any noticeable cause of the immobility, but in most cases of frozen shoulder there are no specific findings, although shrinkage of the shoulder capsule or scar tissue may be apparent.
We Can Help!
Our practice staff has been assembled to help our community achieve the health results they desire through a variety of treatment techniques. Let our wonderful team help you achieve the quality of life you desire – happy and, best of all, pain free.
For Your Health,
Dr. Amit Patel DC
An Optimal Spine Equals Optimal Health
Ipswich Spine Clinic
Neale Chambers, 6-8 Neale Street,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3JB
Phone: 01473 232 002
