Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a complex, multi-faceted condition of the glenohumeral joint where the capsule of the joint becomes adhered. This joint adhesion severely limits range of motion and causes substantial shoulder pain.
Frozen shoulder may or may not be painful. If it does elicit pain, you normally feel it deep in your shoulder joint. You'll likely describe the pain as stabbing or even burning. The hallmark symptom presentation for frozen shoulder is marked decrease in range of motion. Neck tightness can also accompany any shoulder symptoms as the trapezius muscle has a tendency to become overworked over time.
There is still a lot that doctors don't know about frozen shoulder. Functional changes happen to the capsule, either due to overuse, underuse, or acute injury, resulting in adhesion build-up. Adhesion also develops in the muscles of the rotator cuff. However, growing research suggests that outside of the structural and functional component of frozen shoulder, there is a metabolic component. Most frozen shoulders happen in older women with metabolic issues.
You will have a massive opportunity to help frozen shoulder at home through dietary intervention. Maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid common inflammatory foods like wheat, dairy, soy, and corn. Make sure you are up to date with any check-ups and ensure that you're monitoring any potential auto-immune disorders. As far as removing any scar tissue or improving range of motion, this movement can help if you can comfortably get into the position.
At Wildcard, we use shockwave therapy to break down the scar tissue or adhesion in the shoulder and rotator cuff. We can combine this manual work with light range of motion drills to obtain functional improvements. This, in combination with any at home dietary intervention, can provide you up to 75% permanent resolution for your condition. Range of motion can be restored up to 95%, depending on the extent of any degenerative changes to the shoulder.
It also must be noted that frozen shoulder takes TIME to fix. On average, simple shoulder adhesion takes about 4-6 visits to remove. For full blown frozen shoulders, care plans typically take around 12-16 visits.
At Wildcard Spine and Sport, we specialize in fixing pain that’s lasted longer than six months, even if you’ve seen two or more providers. We are the only practitioners in the five boroughs certified to diagnose and remove adhesion. Click the button below or call the office today at 917-908-0055.