Adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder” is a common condition, with no known specific cause (no, winter is not a specific cause of frozen shoulder). It is a condition defined by moderate to severe pain which limits all active range of motion. The treatment for frozen shoulder varies patient to patient, however changes based on timing in the diagnosis. In general, there are three phases to the condition, and the timing of the care is critical to the prognosis on the other end of the diagnosis. Chiropractic care is a great way to address frozen shoulders from a conservative standpoint, with good results from following the treatment plan prescribed by the physician. The shoulder is a complicated region, with many important anatomical structures affected. Just like the region itself, the treatment for it can be complicated! In this issue, we go over some of the science behind frozen shoulder, and how we can help it with chiropractic care, and more.
How do you know if you have it? Usually, there is not a specified known incident or injury that caused the complaint, but rather could result potentially from other predisposed conditions or with no cause at all. The first phase begins with moderate to severe pains that worsen during active (self) and passive (assisted) range of motion. The structures affected by the diagnosis include mostly soft tissues that surround the joint. Inflammation found in these articulate structures is typically what causes the pains to be as severe as they can be. Once the inflammatory stage subsides, a “stiffening phase” begins, with decreased pains, but also decreased range of motion. Finally, a “thawing phase” marks the improvement of range of motions for the shoulder(s) affected. It is important to seek the care you need as soon as you feel pain in order to time your treatment with your condition!
With proper timing, chiropractic care can improve the range of motion, address the intense pain, and improve mobility to improve the prognosis and restore range of motion once the condition subsides. Starting with the adjustment, a set frequency and duration of chiropractic care is important to restore the joints’ mobility. As noted in the guide to adjustments, joint manipulation can potentially help with nervous system function, joint mobility, pain reduction, and inflammation reduction. In the case of frozen shoulder, the adjustment alone is likely not enough to address the underlying condition, due to the mere fact that frozen shoulder affects the soft tissues in the region. This is why physiotherapy modalities such as TENS and exercise rehabilitation are incorporated in the treatment plan. Co-management is also a great idea in order to address other approaches with mobility. In fact, this is one condition that responds great with physical therapy! Our physicians have a strong network of providers in the area they may recommend co-management with to address different facets of the condition.
The time for treatment varies by patient and can be related to one’s health in general. As mentioned above, management for this brutal diagnosis changes throughout the course of the timing involved. Beginning with addressing pain and acute symptoms, to exercise rehabilitation in the thawing stage, Salt and Spine Chiropractic offers treatment for all three stages. Contact us today if you think you may have this diagnosis and want to get ahead of the pain!
