Frozen shoulder is a frequently diagnosed condition. This condition most commonly develops when an individual has suffered an injury to the group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder, called the rotator cuff. Due to the inflammation and pain resulting from the injury, the affected individual may often stop moving their shoulder altogether. After not receiving the necessary treatment for their injury or not following through with physical therapy exercises, the shoulder joint becomes frozen and it no longer functions through its normal range of motion.
The presence of this condition can be identified once the
individual’s range of motion on their shoulder has been greatly restricted or
they no longer have movement on their arm.
If an individual has experienced an injury to the rotator
cuff, its important to seek an immediate diagnosis and follow up treatment with
a chiropractor or physical therapist. When the chiropractor or physical
therapist has diagnosed the individual with frozen shoulder, they may often
recommend a series of physical exercises in order start rehabilitating and strengthening
the weakened or injured muscles around the shoulder joint. It’s essential to
follow the chiropractor’s or physical therapist’s treatment recommendations to
avoid aggravating the injury. In the case of any flare ups or other
complications, the medical specialist should be able to adjust the exercise
routines to best prevent further discomfort and continue rehabilitating the
injury.
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome Eased by Chiropractic
Also, when diagnosed with a frozen shoulder or rotator cuff
injury, it’s important for a chiropractor or physical therapist to loosen up
any adhesions between the muscles in the body that could be causing the pain
and discomfort. After following through with several sessions of muscle work
therapy, the muscles surrounding the shoulder will gradually begin to loosen
up, releasing the shoulder joint. Shoulder adjustments can also greatly benefit
an individual diagnosed with the condition. By progressively restoring the
normal function of the head of the humerus, or the long bone of the arm, in the
socket of the shoulder, the symptoms or the condition will slowly decrease and
the shoulder’s mobility can be restored.
Last but not least, a shoulder complication may often also
involve a neck or upper back issue. While shoulder adjustments can help
alleviate the painful symptoms of a frozen shoulder, a spinal adjustment can
also be necessary to completely restore the full function of the shoulder
joint. Chiropractic adjustments for restoring the natural function of the spine
are critical for the long term improvement of a shoulder complication.
On another note, after experiencing a rotator cuff injury
resulting in a frozen shoulder, avoid using heat to relieve any symptoms. It’s
preferred to use ice therapy for these types of injuries or conditions as they
will help reduce the inflammation in the muscles around the joint. Heat can
create more inflammation on the area and make the shoulder pain worse.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
