That often prevents normal functioning, so it cannot be underestimated and preventive measures should be taken at an early stage. In this way, we significantly increase the chance of a quick cure of the disease. Due to the symptoms of a frozen shoulder, there are 3 phases of this disease:
- Freezing phase / Painful phase (may last from 2 to 9 months):
- gradual increase in pain in the shoulder
Widespread pain, often worsening at night and when lying on your side with the affected person
The freeze phase / the stiffening phase (can last from 4 to 12 months):
- the stiffness begins to interfere with functioning
- the pain intensity is usually constant
- gradually difficulties arise in carrying out daily activities such as getting dressed, preparing meals, carrying bags, working
- muscle loss may occur due to a lack of exercise
The defrosting phase (can last from 5 to 12 months):
- there is a gradual improvement in mobility
- pain is gradually reduced, although it may return as the numbness subsides.
A frozen shoulder is a very painful condition. Our interviews, observations and clinical studies show that many patients define the sensations as “unbearable”, often rating them at 10 on a ten-point scale. At the beginning, the disease is mainly accompanied by increasing limitation of mobility and stiffness of the arm lasting up to +/- 4 weeks from the moment of the first pain. Lasting about 45 seconds, pain in the front of the arm and its upper part occurs during the day – regardless of the time and weather
Symptoms occur suddenly and are often caused by the most ordinary activities, such as shaking hands in greeting, brushing your hair, driving a car, scratching your neck or reaching into your back pocket. The severity of pain very often occurs at night, when the hand is lying freely. Why? Then, the damaged shoulder structures swell.
In addition to pain, the disease causes great discomfort in normal functioning and the need to stay on sick leave for a long time. What’s more, a frozen shoulder has a negative impact on the quality of the mental condition – Patients are often depressed and frustrated.
It is worth emphasizing that home methods and activities on your own often aggravate the problem, so if you suspect a frozen shoulder, you should:
- seek medical advice – as we mentioned, the sooner the better, as prompt intervention can prevent severe numbness
- always follow any advice given by doctors, especially during rehabilitation
Here are the most commonly used treatments for a frozen shoulder:
- a well-prepared rehabilitation program – exercises and treatments
- administration of steroids and / or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation (by mouth)
- steroid injection directly into the joint to reduce inflammation
- use of a nerve block – a method of short-term pain relief, usually highly effective;
- performing a surgical procedure if all other measures have failed;