I also first time hear of it... But I know my left shoulder is a
bit inflexible....
Frozen shoulder, medically referred to as
adhesive capsulitis, is a disorder in which the
shoulder capsule, the
connective tissue surrounding the glenohumeral
joint of the shoulder, becomes inflamed and stiff, and grows
together with abnormal bands of tissue, called adhesions, greatly
restricting motion and causing chronic pain.
It has an incidence of 2.4/1000 per year.[1]
Adhesive capsulitis is a painful and disabling condition that
often causes great frustration for patients and caregivers due to
slow recovery. Movement of the shoulder is severely restricted.
Pain is usually constant, worse at night, when the weather is
colder, and along with the restricted movement can make even small
tasks impossible. Certain movements can cause sudden onset of
tremendous pain and cramping that can last several minutes.
This condition, for which an exact cause is unknown, can last
from 5 months to 3 years or more, and is thought in some cases to
be caused by injury or trauma to the area. It may also appear for
no apparent reason. It is also believed that it may have an
autoimmune component, with the body attacking healthy tissue in the
shoulder. The condition may also cause chronic inflammation.
Adhesions grow between the joints and tissue, greatly restricting
motion and causing a number of painful complications. There is also
a lack of fluid in the joint, further restricting movement.
In addition to difficulty with everyday tasks, people who suffer
from adhesive capsulitis usually experience problems sleeping for
extended periods due to pain that is worse at night and restricted
movement/positions, resulting in chronic fatigue and other
complications. The condition also can lead to depression, pain and
problems in the neck and back, as well as damage to the tissue
surrounding the area.
There are a number of risk factors for frozen shoulder,
including diabetes, stroke, accidents, lung disease, connective
tissue disorders, and heart disease. The condition very rarely
appears in people under 40.
Treatment is painful and taxing, and consists of physical
therapy, various medications, massage therapy, hydrodilatation
and, in severe cases, surgery. A doctor may also perform
manipulation under anesthesia, which breaks up the adhesions and
scar tissue in the joint to help restore some range of motion.
In approximately 15% of patients, adhesive capsulitis may appear
in both shoulders, at different times or together.
People who suffer from adhesive capsulitis may have extreme
difficulty working and going about normal life activities for
several months or longer.
