| Ever wonder why shoulder problems are so | | | | however, about 12% of people experience the |
| common? Think of the shoulder is a modified ball and | | | | problem on both sides. The condition lasts an average |
| socket joint, a good design for mobility, but an unstable | | | | of 30 months and can be classified into three phases: |
| one nevertheless, making dislocation and injury to the | | | | · Freezing |
| area fairly common. To improve the stability of the | | | | (1-8 months) - Considered to be the most painful phase |
| shoulder, a cuff of four muscles, referred to as the | | | | of the condition, especially at night. |
| rotator cuff, stabilizes the joint. Surrounding the | | | | · Frozen |
| shoulder joint is a "bag" called the Capsule. | | | | (9-16 months) - The arm becomes stiff. Pain may still |
| Frozen shoulder syndrome starts in this sack-like area | | | | be a problem especially at night, but it usually diminishes. |
| that stretches when the arm is raised above the head | | | | · Thawing |
| and hangs down like a sack when the arm is lowered | | | | (12-40 months) - Characterized by recovery and the |
| to the side. In frozen shoulder syndrome, inflammation | | | | gradual return of mobility . |
| of the joint causes this sack to stick to itself. The | | | | Most medical experts agree that conservative |
| inflammation spreads and can cause swelling | | | | management, usually involving anywhere from 4-30 |
| throughout the shoulder area. Within several days, arm | | | | sessions of physiotherapy and exercise is the best |
| movements start to diminish. Within a few weeks, the | | | | way to treat Frozen Shoulder, however opinions and |
| arm literally becomes frozen and in many cases | | | | treatment methods vary among caregivers. Some |
| cannot be raised more than 40 degrees. As a result, | | | | administer cortisone injections, which typically relieve |
| the muscles of the rotator cuff become weak and | | | | symptoms for only a week or two. Manipulation under |
| start slowly to waste away. Muscle atrophy sets in, | | | | general anesthetic followed by physiotherapy is also a |
| rendering the entire arm totally useless. | | | | possibility, however manipulation can cause further |
| A painful and often debilitating condition, Frozen | | | | complications such as rotator cuff tears, increased |
| shoulder syndrome affects 2-5% of the population. It is | | | | inflammation and nerve damage. It might be helpful to |
| more common in women and diabetics are particularly | | | | seek the advice of several medical professionals |
| vulnerable to the affliction. It is mainly a problem that | | | | before deciding on a treatment program that best suits |
| affects people 40 years and older. The arm that is | | | | your needs. |
| used less is most likely the one to be involved; | | | | |