Frozen Shoulder Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

All systems in the body are, of course, important and play a role. One of them is the musculoskeletal system. The system will work flawlessly as a whole, if each of its elements works as it should, without interruptions. In the musculoskeletal system, such an element is a joint. The fact that the joints have undergone inflammatory changes is evidenced by a feeling of discomfort. If the pain in the shoulder region is disturbing, then this may indicate the development of capsulitis. If frozen shoulder syndrome is diagnosed, treatment must be started in a timely manner.

Causes of Capsulitis

Through the shoulder joint, three formations are connected, represented by the scapula, collarbone and humerus. It is surrounded by a special synovial membrane. With this layer, the articular surfaces are lubricated, like the details of a mechanism. If the integrity of the membrane is violated, then this leads to inflammation. Often, frozen shoulder syndrome or capsulitis develops on this basis. The reasons why this pathology develops are still not entirely clear. It is believed that the capsule is damaged due to neurotrophic changes. They can lead to fibrosis or scar formation on synovia.

In the pathogenetic mechanism, the impetus is inflammation of the joint capsule. The pathological process in turn affects the synovial fluid, which contributes to the further development of the inflammatory process.

The following provoking factors play a role in the development of frozen shoulder syndrome:

• Conditions associated with hypothermia.
• Age aspect. A similar pathology often develops in people over 40 years old.
• A certain role is played by heredity.
• Traumatic injuries of the spine or of individual elements of the musculoskeletal system.
• Pathology of the heart and blood vessels.
• Frequent respiratory infections.
• The long-term effects of injuries matter.

If there is at least one of the factors, this is evidence that the risk of occurrence and development of the frozen shoulder syndrome is significantly increased. It is necessary to monitor your health and listen to any manifestations from the body. This is necessary for preventive measures.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The main sign that occurs in almost all cases is pain in the shoulder joint. Of course, other symptoms are present, but their variety and nature depends on what stage the process is in. The characteristic dynamics that make it possible to judge the progression of the process can only be identified by a specialist on the basis of a number of studies.

It takes into account both objective symptoms and x-ray findings.

1. In the first stage, the process of inflammation is at the very beginning of development. The pain in the shoulder is slight and appears only after prolonged exercise. If the load is removed and rest is given to the injured limb, then the pain recedes. Mobility is preserved, but the movements are constrained.
2. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, then the disease goes into the second stage. Pathology takes an acute form. Pain sensations become more pronounced and are present even at rest. The hand rises if you make some effort. The process gets further spread and spreads to the surrounding soft tissue. Temperature may rise slightly. Similar phenomena are observed for several weeks.Then the process subsides, and with it the vigilance of the patient is lost. But this should never be done. Although the pain subsided, the process did not stop. If measures are not taken, then a more severe stage may develop.
3. In the third stage, the disease takes a chronic form of the course. The pain is already permanent. A person is already accustomed to the fact that she constantly accompanies him. As the joint wears out, the pain takes the form of "backache". General condition worsens. Against this background, the patient begins to suffer from insomnia and, as a result, general nervousness is noted. In this form, the disease is already difficult to cure.
4. In the fourth stage, the development of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint is observed. The inflammatory process leads to the formation of adhesions. Strong pains are characteristic. One can observe the development of ankylosis, in which all movements are constrained. In severe cases, fusion is observed with a complete lack of mobility in the joint.

Treatment

In each case, an individual approach to a specific patient takes place. The nature of therapy depends on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient. Of great importance is the value of the pain threshold, which is strictly individual in each patient.

Traditional therapy
An injection of glucocorticosteroids and hormones is indicated. Such a scheme is prescribed for a low immune status of the patient. Sometimes a blockade of nerve endings close to the joint is performed. Frozen shoulder syndrome involves certain physiotherapeutic measures. Physiotherapy procedures themselves are not specific treatment. But they make it possible to alleviate the condition of the patient and determine a faster recovery.

If the treatment of the frozen shoulder syndrome has a positive trend, then physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. A specially selected set of exercises will contribute to a faster and more complete restoration of the functional ability of the joint.

It happens that in severe cases, the only way to help the patient is surgery. They use minimally invasive surgical methods, which include arthroscopy.

ethnoscience
Currently, there are a lot of folk recipes that can alleviate the condition with this disease. Traditional medicine is not the main treatment, but an addition to it. Some recipes of traditional healers are given to help:

1. A long-standing proven remedy is birch buds, which insist on alcohol. Alcohol tincture is used 25 drops three times a day.
2. The following herbal harvest will help well. Nettles, birch in the form of leaves and violet flowers are mixed together in equal volumes. A tablespoon of this mixture is poured into a glass of boiling water. The composition should be infused for an hour. Then it is filtered and taken twice a day in the morning and in the evening.
3. For grinding and compresses, walnut or knotweed leaves are used. Walnut leaf is poured with olive oil and insisted for three hours. Everything is ground until gruel is formed. Its thick layer is applied to the sore spot for 1-2 hours.
4. Maggot, birch leaves and rose hips are mixed in a ratio of 1: 3: 3. The composition is used as a compress. They are impregnated with gauze and applied to a sore spot. Put polyethylene on top and fix it with a scarf. The compress holds until completely dry.
5. To relieve pain, use baths, which include iodized salt or cyclomen. It is important to keep proportions. 30 g of salt or two plant roots per liter are added to 10 liters of water.
6. An ointment based on burdock is being prepared. It consists of burdock leaves, boiled in boiling water, cosmetic petroleum jelly and butter. Rubbed into a sore spot at night.
7. To eliminate pain, ointment is prepared from radish and vodka.Juice is squeezed out of root vegetables, mixed with honey and vodka. Add some salt. The resulting emulsion is rubbed into sore spots.

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome Prevention

1. An important preventive measure is the prevention of injuries. It is required to constantly monitor the load on the spinal column and shoulder girdle. It is impossible to overload them.
2. Moderate exercise specifically designed for the shoulder girdle is helpful.
3. An important point is the exclusion of provoking factors. It is impossible to supercool. This event is not difficult to carry out if you approach this responsibly.

If the first symptoms appear that indicate a disease, you should not delay a visit to the doctor. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, those are more likely to recover. It is easier to prevent the onset and development of the disease than to treat it later. It may sound corny, but a healthy lifestyle is important for the prevention of this disease. Good nutrition, work and rest, physical education will strengthen immunity.

Video: How to Get Rid of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome