By Dr Karli Plowright
(Family Wellness Chiropractor + Exercise Scientist)
Nomad Chiropractic Mosman
Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a long standing and ongoing painful limitation in the movement of either shoulder. Frozen shoulder is idiopathic, but causes a contracture and loss of compliance of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint capsule. Most commonly occurs in older age groups, anywhere from 40 years old; and is anecdotally very common in post menopausal women.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:
Slow onset pain / stiffness in the shoulder
Limited range in the shoulder when reaching overhead
Limited range in the shoulder when reaching behind your back
Limited range in the shoulder when reaching to the side
Grinding or popping sensations when moving the shoulder
Frozen shoulder treatment options:
Treatment options depends on the stage that your shoulder is in - there are three stages of frozen shoulder. Ideally in the initial stage of Thawing we can get lots of movement into the shoulder before the freezing stage. Rest assured that no matter the stage of your frozen shoulder; freezing, frozen, thawing, your Mosman Chiropractors can work with you to improve movement and reduce pain levels. The goal of treatment is that improve range of movement in the shoulder, middle back, neck and chest whilst also reducing pain levels.
Between the three stages, as it is an ongoing condition, it can last for up to 2 years. Therefore if nothing is done treatment wise, this can last even longer before range of motion and function is gained again.
Note that frozen shoulder can be self limiting - ie. can spontaneously resolve even if you do nothing.
How can chiropractic help frozen shoulder?
Joint manipulation and mobilization
Myofascial release
Therapeutic exercises
Advice and recommendations
If you wanted one bit of relief from this blog before coming in for an assessment I would recommend a heat pack on the affected shoulder for 15 minutes (ensuring there is a towel so you don't burn the skin).
There are other conditions / symptoms that can cause the shoulder to be painful and have limited movement or even increase your chances of developing a frozen shoulder so make sure if you are feeling any of these symptoms to get your shoulder checked by your local Chiropractor, as it could be a visceral (organ) referral too!
Chiropractic care can help settle and keep the nervous system healthy through adjustments to the spine and extremity as well as cranial movements! Your nervous system is the command center for your entire body and sometimes it needs care to keep working effectively. So if you are feeling some nervous system symptoms, get adjusted, eat a healthy diet and keep moving!
Questions? Get in touch!
Till next time,
Chiro Karli :)
—————————————————————————
Book in online with your Mosman Chiropractors Lucy Bartlett, Olly Kerr, Kristin Webb and locum Sandy Ghobrial at www.nomadchiropractic.com.au
Located at: Suite 1, 563 Military Road Mosman NSW 2088 (Rear entry)
Ph 02 9969 7503
www.nomadchiropractic.com.au
For More Information head to: www.nomadchiropractic.com.au/chiro-research
Stay in touch! Follow us on Instagram at: @nomad_chiro or Facebook at: @nomadchiropractic
*Please note: Karli Plowright is no longer a practitioner at Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman as she has relocated to WA. All practitioners in the clinic are, however, educated in this field.