Frozen Shoulder

Also known as Adhesive Capsulitis and is a condition where significant and gradual loss of the range of motion of your shoulder occurs and is accompanied by the onset of pain in the shoulder especially in the first few months. 

WHY DO WE CARE ABOUT FROZEN SHOULDER?

Here are some stats on the condition:
  • It Effects at least 2% of the Population 
  • Incidence has been shown to be 10% in Type I Diabetes patients and 22-29% in Type II Diabetes patients
  • Increasing incidence of Type II Diabetes = increasing incidence of Frozen Shoulder
  • Also been shown to be higher in people with thyroid problems
*Long term complications of diabetes may include changes in connective tissue that occur as a result of high glucose levels. Effects the muscles, joints, nerves, ligaments, and tissues of your body.

TYPICAL FROZEN SHOULDER
  • Condition of Middle Age (40-70 years old) 
  • Females > Males (70% of cases)
  • Most Common in Non-Dominant Shoulder

MORE INFO
  • Considered a 12-18 month process if left untreated  
  • Treatment is often directed towards healing facilitation, and symptomatic/functional improvement (increasing range of motion)

STAGES OF FROZEN SHOULDER

Stage 1
  • Cause is unknown
  • Presents initially with pain upon movement and loss of range of motion
  • Night pain may occur as well as pain at rest
  • Most common type associated with:
  •  –Diabetes
  •  –Thyroid Disorders
  • PRE-FREEZING STAGE

Stage 2
  • Pain continues but may start to subside
  • Progressive loss of range of motion
  • Pain at night or at rest may linger
  • May be accompanied by rotator cuff tear, tendonitis or bursitis in the shoulder
  • Also degenerative changes can occur over time
  • FREEZING STAGE

Stage 3
  • Progressive loss of range of motion stops but does not improve (feels stuck)
  • Pain decrease or ceases completely
  • Little or no night pain or pain at rest
  • FROZEN STAGE


Stage 4
  • Range of motion starts to improve
  • Minimal pain
  • Restoration of full shoulder function
  • THAWING STAGE


TREATMENT

Frozen shoulder responds very well to chiroprctic treatment.  The focus is on decreasing your pain and increasing your range of motion.
Specific and customized stretching and exercise programs are always prescribed to speed up the healing process.

Contact the office to learn more about how Dr. Merlino can help with your shoulder issues!

-Dr. Paul Merlino,DC