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Frozen Shoulder
WHAT IS IT?  Frozen Shoulder is an extremely painful condition in which the shoulder is completely or partially unmovable. Frozen shoulder often starts out of the blue, but may be triggered by a mild injury to the shoulder.
The condition goes through three phases, starting with pain, then stiffness and finally a stage of resolution as the pain eases and most of the movement returns. This process may take an awfully long time sometimes as long as two more years. Three stages of development: - Stage One:
Pain increases with movement and is often worse at night. There is a progressive loss of motion with increasing pain. This stage lasts approximately 2 to 9 months.
- Stage Two:
Pain begins to diminish, however, the range of motion is now much more limited, as much as 50 percent less than in the other arm. This stage may last 4 to 12 months.
- Stage Three:
The condition may begin to resolve. Most patients experience a gradual restoration of motion over the next 12 to 42 months
PREVENTION: Mostly unknown, however, since frozen shoulder may set in as a result of under use or immobilization of the shoulder, it is important not to neglect a painful injury as it may lead to stiffness. TREATMENT : - Physiotherapy - to prevent any further stiffness and regain range of motion
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Injections - reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
- Surgery - has been shown to be of benefit in both the early and later stages of a frozen shoulder.
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