Frozen shoulder is also called adhesive capsulitis. It makes the shoulder painful, stiff, and limits moving it. People with this condition find it hard to do usual activities.
Its main cause is still a mystery. But, there are things that might make it more likely to happen. These include recent shoulder surgery, joint injury, and medical issues like diabetes. The condition goes through three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Each phase has its unique signs and how well the shoulder can move.
Frozen shoulder can get better by itself, but this takes time. There are ways to help manage the pain and improve movement. Usually, doctors start with physical therapy. They recommend exercises and treatments to help the shoulder.
Doctors might also give medicines like NSAIDs to lessen pain and swelling. If these treatments don’t work, surgery might be an option. This can be through a manipulation done under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery. Yet, a new approach to treatment called stem cell therapy shows hope to quicken recovery without surgery.
Stem cell therapy uses cells that can heal and lower inflammation in the shoulder. It’s a step forward in treating frozen shoulder without surgery. This method taps into the body’s ability to heal itself. So, it can improve the shoulder’s movement and make life better for the patient.
Key Takeaways:
- Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes severe pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint.
- Risk factors for developing frozen shoulder include recent shoulder surgery, joint trauma, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
- Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, and surgery, but stem cell therapy is an innovative regenerative treatment that can potentially avoid the need for surgery.
- Stem cell therapy uses regenerative cells to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint.
- By restoring shoulder function, stem cell therapy offers a non-invasive solution for individuals suffering from frozen shoulder.
Anatomy of a Frozen Shoulder and Risk Factors
The shoulder joint is a type known as a synovial joint. It’s made up of a ball and socket, contained by a tough shoulder capsule. Inside this capsule lies a synovial membrane. It holds synovial fluid, keeping the joint well-oiled for easy movement. Because the shoulder moves the most, it’s often injured, leading to problems with the capsule.
When someone has adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, things stick where they shouldn’t. The capsule’s parts start to cling together. This makes the shoulder joint not work as it should, causing stiffness and limited movement. It’s a painful experience, making simple motions a struggle.
Certain things can raise the risk of getting a frozen shoulder. As we grow older, our shoulder joints naturally wear down, which can lead to injuries. Health conditions like diabetes, stroke, or thyroid issues can also play a part. They cause swelling and disrupt joint function, setting the stage for frozen shoulder.
Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder
| Risk Factors | |
|---|---|
| Shoulder injury | |
| Aging | |
| Diabetes | |
| Stroke | |
| Hypothyroidism | |
| Hyperthyroidism | |
| Cardiac disease | |
| Parkinson’s disease |
Knowing the shoulder’s workings and the danger signs for frozen shoulder is key. It arms people with the info they need to avoid it. Early action can help prevent or lessen the harm of a frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes intense joint pain and limits movement. It makes daily tasks hard to do. Doctors check shoulder movement closely and might use tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Treating a frozen shoulder often starts with physical therapy. It helps with stretching and strengthening the shoulder. Doctors also give medications to help with pain and swelling. These can be pills or shots.
Sometimes, non-surgical treatments aren’t enough. In those cases, surgery could be an option. But, there’s also a new method with great potential – stem cell therapy. This approach uses cells that help heal and decrease swelling in the shoulder. It might mean avoiding surgery and getting better faster.