Frozen Shoulder 
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 Frozen Shoulder

Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Deltoid, Supraspinatus, and Subscapularis are key players in Frozen Shoulder. Core Health Can Help You Get Fast Relief

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What is Frozen Shoulder?

Do you have a shoulder that's stiff and won't move? Is it limiting your range of motion or causing pain? If so, then you may be experiencing frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition can cause stiffness in the shoulder joint, making even the most simple daily activities difficult to do.

Frozen shoulder is an inflammation of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. It usually occurs when connective tissue around the joint becomes thickened and tightens up over time. The resulting restriction of movement causes restricted mobility and discomfort due to tension on ligaments and muscles. While there is no one specific cause for developing this condition, some factors such as age, diabetes, trauma and surgery can increase risk of acquiring frozen shoulder.

Treatment options vary depending on severity and include physical therapy exercises, medications to reduce inflammation, steroid injections and in severe cases, surgery. Physical therapy exercises are typically recommended first before any other treatments since they help with stretching out affected tissues while strengthening supporting muscles around them to improve overall flexibility of the joint. Medications may be prescribed alongside physical therapy if necessary to provide relief from pain or swelling caused by adhesive capsulitis. Steroid injections offer short-term relief but should only be used as a last resort due to potential risks associated with them. Surgery is reserved for those whose symptoms are not relieved after trying multiple conservative treatment methods.

No matter what type of treatment option chosen, early intervention is key to managing frozen shoulder effectively. In addition to seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional right away, performing regular stretches and strength training exercises at home can speed recovery process along significantly.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder


Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes significant pain in the shoulder joint. It is characterized by a reduced range of motion and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint due to inflammation of the connective tissue surrounding it called the shoulder capsule. The exact cause of frozen shoulder has not yet been determined but there are several factors that can lead to its development.

The most common risk factor for developing frozen shoulder is age. People between 40-60 years old have an increased likelihood of experiencing this disorder compared with other ages groups. Diabetes mellitus also increases the risk, as does any history of trauma or surgery near the affected area. Additionally, conditions such as rotator cuff tears, cervical spondylosis, and spinal cord injuries may contribute to developing symptoms associated with frozen shoulder.

Treatment options vary depending on severity; they include physical therapy exercises, steroid injections, and possibly even surgical intervention if necessary. Early diagnosis is key in limiting progression and preventing further complications from occurring so it's important to consult a medical professional right away if you experience any signs or symptoms related to frozen shoulder. With proper care and treatment plan, those affected can find relief from their painful symptoms and restore full function of the shoulder joint back again..
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Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder syndrome, is a condition that results in stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Symptoms generally develop slowly over time and can last anywhere from several months to two years or more. Common symptoms of adhesive capsulitis include difficulty moving the arm through its full range of motion due to decreased flexibility of the shoulder joint capsule, weakness in the affected shoulder, tenderness when pressing on the outside area of the shoulder blade (acromion), mild to moderate pain which may increase with movement, and occasional crepitus (audible grinding sound) during movement.

Diagnosis for adhesive capsulitis usually consists of physical examination by a healthcare professional including evaluation of range-of-motion tests and manual manipulation. Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans are not typically used for diagnosis but can be helpful if other conditions are suspected such as arthritis or rotator cuff tears. Treatment options vary depending on severity and duration; however, most cases do well with non-surgical interventions such as stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, heat therapy or ultrasound treatment. In severe cases where mobility has been significantly reduced surgery may be required to release adhesions within the joint capsule.

Overall management should involve strategies aimed at improving strength and flexibility while avoiding activities that cause discomfort until full recovery occurs. Physical therapy is essential for successful outcomes and involves gradually increasing ranges of motion by utilizing specific stretching exercises along with strengthening exercises to stabilize the joint capsule muscles and tendons around it.
The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop gradually and worsen over time. There are three stages of frozen shoulder, each with its own set of symptoms:
-Freezing stage: During this stage, the shoulder becomes increasingly painful, and the range of motion becomes limited. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
-Frozen stage: During this stage, the pain may begin to diminish, but the stiffness and limited range of motion remain. This stage can last anywhere from several months to a year.
-Thawing stage: During this stage, the range of motion gradually improves, and the pain subsides. This stage can last anywhere from several months to several years

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

To diagnose frozen shoulder, a doctor will typically begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions that can cause shoulder pain and stiffness. Frozen shoulder is a complex medical condition that can be difficult to diagnose. According to recent studies, it affects up to 20% of the population worldwide. With its various signs and symptoms, diagnosing frozen shoulder requires a comprehensive approach from healthcare professionals.
The diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam by a doctor who will assess the patient’s range of motion as well as any swelling or tenderness in their shoulders. Doctors may also order X-rays or an MRI scan to rule out other conditions such as rotator cuff tears or arthritis. A diagnostic ultrasound may also be used to help identify areas of inflammation within the joint capsule and surrounding tissues.
In addition, the patient’s medical history will be taken into account when making a diagnosis of frozen shoulder. This includes questions about prior injuries, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and lifestyle factors that could play a role in causing the condition. By carefully evaluating all these pieces of information together, doctors are able to accurately diagnose most cases of frozen shoulder and provide appropriate treatment options for patients suffering from this painful disorder.

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

The treatment of frozen shoulder typically involves a combination of pain management and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the tight capsule around the shoulder joint. Core Health Darien offers a specialized program to eliminate the symptoms of frozen shoulder in a matter of days.

Pain management for frozen shoulder may include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication, such as a narcotic, for short-term use. Corticosteroid Injections are often used to stop inflammation and to decrease pain and shoulder stiffness

Physical therapy is an essential part of the treatment of frozen shoulder. A physical therapist can help patients perform exercises that can improve range of motion and decrease pain

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the tight capsule around the shoulder joint. This procedure, called a capsular release, involves cutting the tight capsule to allow the shoulder joint to move more freely.
Adhesive Capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the case but generally involve stretching exercises and medications to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help improve range of motion. In more severe cases, surgical management may be necessary.

Stretching exercises are one of the most common treatments for adhesive capsulitis. These exercises focus on improving flexibility and strength in the shoulder muscles which will eventually allow for greater mobility within the joint itself. It is important to start slowly with these stretches and build up over time as it takes several weeks for them to become effective. A physical therapist can provide guidance on how best to progress with this type of treatment plan.

Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may also be used to reduce inflammation caused by adhesive capsulitis. However, these should only be taken under medical supervision due to potential side effects associated with long term use. Additionally, there are other interventions available such as ultrasound or dry needling which can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with this condition.

The goal of any form of treatment for adhesive capsulitis is to restore full range of motion and eliminate pain while minimizing risk factors associated with recurrence or progression of the condition. With proper monitoring from a healthcare professional combined with dedication to an individualized exercise program, many people find relief from their symptoms without resorting to surgery.

Prevention of Frozen Shoulder

The prevention of adhesive capsulitis is a major part of managing this condition. To understand how to prevent the development of adhesive capsulitis, it is important to consider the risk factors associated with it. The most significant risk factor for developing this disorder is age—the older a person gets, the greater their chances are of developing adhesive capsulitis. Other potential risk factors include prior shoulder injury or immobility, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

As with any medical condition, prevention starts with awareness and education about the risks. Exercise plays an important role in preventing adhesive capsulitis as it increases joint mobility and flexibility which can help reduce stiffness and pain from the condition. Practicing proper posture when doing activities such as typing on a computer or holding tools while working also has its benefits in reducing strain on the shoulders that can lead to increased discomfort over time. Additionally, exercises designed specifically for increasing range of motion may be beneficial in helping maintain healthy shoulder movement and reducing pain levels due to adhesion formation within the joints.

Maintaining good overall health habits by keeping up-to-date with recommended checkups will ensure early detection if symptoms do arise; thus allowing for more effective treatment options and possibly even reversal before severe damage occurs. With these preventive measures tailored to each individual’s needs based on their personal risk factors, many people can go through life without ever having to worry about experiencing painful joint restrictions caused by adhesive capsulitis.

Fastest Method to Treat Frozen Shoulder

C hiropractic care for Frozen Shoulder

Ensuring proper nerve innervation at the brachial plexus is a positive way to ward off adhesive capsulitis. If the brachial plexus is blocked the muscles of the rotator cuff cannot communicate with the brain. This makes the problem worse because treatment will be directed at the wrong area prolonging the frozen shoulder impingement syndrome. Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine will allow faster healing because the chiropractic adjustment addresses subluxations that prevent the nerves to the rotator cuff from properly functioning.

At Core Health we use a soft tissue method called Tri-Genics to improve communication from the Golgi Tendon Organs and Muscle Spindle Cells in the muscles and tendons. Essentially we reconnect the tissue and the brain via neural circuits.

Radial Pulsed Shock Wave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is the most advanced non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA for soft tissue adhesions that form in the muscles of the rotator cuff. Core Health has been using this effective therapy for several years. Here is how it works, it uses pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process, allowing damaged tissue to regenerate and heal.

Range of Motion Exercises to be completed at home are essential for heling adhesive capsulitis. We have a complete program to offer our patients who have frozen shoulder. Call 203-656-3636 and make an appointment today..

Complicating Factors with Frozen Shoulder

Restful sleep becomes more difficult to attain adding to increased pain as scar tissue starts to form in the thin muscle covering called the fascia. Simple movements become gradually more painful and you naturally start to use the shoulder less and less. This allows for greater infiltration of scar-like adhesions resulting in even more shoulder pain and less motion. Poor sleep patterns have been known to cause frozen shoulder in some cases.

The next part of fixing a frozen shoulder is to isolate specific muscle groups that we have found to be the real culprit in adhesive capsulitis. The latissimus dorsi muscles, known as the lats, are the large V-shaped muscles that connect your arms to your vertebral column. They help protect and stabilize your spine while providing shoulder and back strength. We find the Lats to be shortened. Next up usually the subscapularis is shortened as well. The subscapularis internally or medially rotates the humerus. So you can see why it might be involved in frozen shoulder cases, typically these muscles are stretched to resolve the role they play in adhesive capsulitis.

Our findings also include a weakened deltoid and a weakened subscapularis muscle. These must be strengthened to improve the overall function of the shoulder. Patients report almost immediate improvement when using EPAT, muscle strengthening, and muscle stretching. If you would like more information call Core Health Darien at 203-656-3636 and get the help you need. Remember the old way of treating your shoulder pain can take years to relieve. So if you would like help with your shoulder pain I suggest you make the call.203.656.3636

Shoulder Pain New Canaan CT

Core Health Darien has been serving New Canaan CT for over 30 years. When a patient hurts their shoulder playing racquet ball or rugby they usually come to Darien to see Dr.Brian. Whether you are having chronic shoulder pain due to adhesive capsulitis or if you have rotator cuff problems call Core Health Darien, we are just down the road.

Adhesive Capsulitis Stamford CT

Adhesive capsulitis is commonly referred to as frozen shoulder. It is an impingement syndrome where the shoulder hurts whenever you move it. If you watch the video above you will understand that there a 4 muscles usually involved. Frozen shoulder can cause a major problem by disrupting normal sleep. Every time you move you aggravate the shoulder. This is a painful experience and often does not respond to cortisone injections and physical therapy. Core Health has tremendous success treating adhesive capsulitis. Since Stamford CT borders Darien, many residents of Core Health Darien when they need treatment for chronic shoulder issues.

Frozen Shoulder Norwalk CT

A frozen shoulder can be helped dramatically by treating the muscles that are either weak or short. These are mentioned in the video above. Core Health relies on EPAT to break up soft tissue adhesions that bind the fascia covering the muscles.  newer tool call PEMF pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to allow for greater production of ATP, the fuel that cells require to produce energy in the mitochondria. PEMF is a tool that has been in use for decades in Europe. The combined treatment of Trigenics , PEMF, and Epat are a winning combination in eliminating chronic shoulder pain. It is no wonder why people from Norwalk come to Core Health in Darien when they have bad shoulder pain.

Health & Shoulder Pain

Several medical conditions can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and immobilization. If you have any of these conditions and are experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, it's important to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the shoulder joint and improve the chances of a full recovery. The shoulder is a unique joint in the human body. It is known as the glenohumeral joint. This joint is unique in that it is a ball and socket type of joint. The joint capsule surrounds the shoulder and helps the arm move freely in many different directions. Patients often lose shoulder mobility from trauma such as sports injuries or car accidents. The arm gets jammed and the force is translated to the shoulder capsule ultimately making the shoulder frozen. When we describe the condition we are not implying that the shoulder is actually frozen. We are describing decreasing shoulder range of motion that increasingly gets worse as left untreated. The shoulder joint capsule becomes hardened with adhesions that form in the joint capsule restricting motion. It makes the arm hurt as well. A patient may find the physical joint pain symptoms so unbearable they may choose to go to the hospital for treatment. The Mayo Clinic reports that joint treatments often fail to respond to cortisone injections 43% of the time.

Comorbidities & Adhesive Capsulitis

Diabetes & Frozen Shoulder.

Research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than those without diabetes. This is thought to be due to the effects of high blood sugar levels on the shoulder joint. Over time, high blood sugar can cause the tissues in the joint to become stiff and thickened, making it difficult to move the arm causing a drop in the normal range of motion.

Thyroid Disorders & Frozen Shoulder

People with thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are also at increased risk for developing frozen shoulder. This is thought to be due to the effects of thyroid hormones on the tissues in the shoulder joint. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormones can cause the tissues to become inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and pain. The shoulder becomes frozen and one major symptom is the loss of motion in the shoulder joint and arms.

Heart Disease & Frozen Shoulder
Research has also suggested that people with heart disease may be at increased risk for developing frozen shoulder symptoms. This is thought to be due to the effects of reduced blood flow to the shoulder joint. When blood flow is reduced, the tissues in the joint may become damaged and inflamed, leading to stiffness and pain in the arms. Overall motion is limited with people who have heart disease and their symptoms tend to be more dramatic.


Parkinson's Disease & Frozen Shoulder joint symptoms

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. People with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing frozen shoulder, possibly due to the effects of the disease on the muscles and tissues in the joint. Parkinson's disease can cause the muscles to become stiff and rigid, leading to restricted movement in the shoulder joint.

Immobilization & Frozen Shoulder Joint Symptoms

Immobilization, such as after surgery or an injury, can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder symptoms. When the shoulder is immobilized for a period of time, the tissues in the joint can become stiff and thickened, making it difficult to move the arm. This is why physiotherapy and movement exercises are recommended for people who have undergone shoulder surgery or experienced an injury to the arm and shoulder. exercises can restore motion to the shoulder and arm. This will help prevent surgery and will stabilize the joint. Surgery should always be the last option. Core Health Darien has success in helping patients who exhibit symptoms of frozen shoulder and arm joint pain. 

Frozen Shoulder FAQ's

What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can restrict movement of the affected arm and cause considerable discomfort. Risk factors for developing frozen shoulder include age, gender, medical history, physical activity level, injuries to the rotator cuff muscles or other areas around the shoulder, prolonged immobility due to surgery or illness, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and post-operative treatment of certain types of cancer.

Age over 40 years old is considered a risk factor for developing frozen shoulder; this could be due to reduced mobility caused by aging which may lead to an increased probability of injury or inflammation within the joint capsule. Additionally, women are more likely than men to develop frozen shoulder. Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 1 & 2 have been found to be at greater risk of developing adhesive capsulitis due to their impaired ability to fight off infection from external sources such as bacteria or viruses leading to further damage within the joint capsule.

Physical activity levels also play a role in determining one’s risk for contractual frozen shoulder; those who engage in higher levels of physical activity are more prone to suffer from traumatic/overuse injuries which can result in swelling/inflammation and pain within the joint capsule causing adhesive capsulitis. In addition having undergone recent surgeries on or around the area might increase one’s susceptibility towards developing frozen shoulders due to scar tissue formation restricting normal range of motion along with altered biomechanics putting stress into surrounding tissues leading up eventually towards full thickness tear resulting in chronic pain and disability if not managed properly. Furthermore those suffering from CVD, PD and cancer treatments are all associated with an increased chance of contracting this disorder since they weaken individual’s immune system thus making them vulnerable towards infections thereby increasing chances of subsequent development of frozen shoulders through spread of germs onto already weakened joints capsules.

To reduce your risk it is important to maintain good posture while sitting/standing as well as engaging regularly in activities like stretching exercises that help improve flexibility throughout your body especially focusing on maintaining strong core muscles so any force generated will be absorbed by your torso instead being transferred down directly into weak glenohumeral joints where it would cause trauma leading up potentially towards future cases of adhesive capsulitis . Additionally taking proper precautions before participating in strenuous activities such as warming up prior playing sports or using correct tools when lifting heavy objects should keep you safe from potential harm during these events reducing overall odds against contracture related issues arising afterwards

Are There Any Natural Remedies For Treating Frozen Shoulder?

Treating frozen shoulder can be a difficult and painful process. It is likened to trying to crack open an oyster with your bare hands; it takes patience, determination, and sometimes the right tools. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of frozen shoulder and even speed up the recovery process.

One such remedy is exercise. Exercise helps by stretching out stiff muscles in order to improve range of motion and reduce pain. Stretches should be done slowly and gently without sudden or jerky movements. Gentle exercises such as swimming, walking or yoga are recommended for people suffering from this condition. In addition to stretches, strengthening exercises will also help build muscle strength which can provide support for weakened joints affected by frozen shoulder.

Other natural treatments include applying heat therapy, massage therapy, herbal medicines such as turmeric or ginger root extract, acupuncture and acupressure. Heat therapy helps relax tight muscles while massages promote circulation which aids healing processes in ligaments and tendons affected by frozen shoulder. Herbal medicines have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling associated with this condition while acupuncture improves blood flow helping to release muscle tension surrounding stiff joints. Acupressure may also help relieve stiffness around these areas allowing better movement during everyday activities like writing or reaching overhead items on shelves.

The key takeaway here is that there are various natural remedies available to treat the symptoms of frozen shoulder - each one having its own unique benefits depending on individual needs and preferences when it comes to managing discomfort associated with this condition. These methods not only offer relief but could potentially speed up the recovery time needed before full mobility can be regained again.

Frozen Shoulder? Why Suffer Any Longer.
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