I have always been one of those people who is committed to their overall health, but a few years ago, I realized that there had to be something I could do to make things right. I was experiencing some serious back pain, and I didn't know how to improve. Fortunately, I started working hard to correct the issue, and I could see a significant difference right away. I was able to move more normally and eliminate back pain, and it was great to see how much the changes helped. Check out this website to find out how the right medical specialist could help you.
What Is Frozen Shoulder? Does It Require Surgery?
Are you having pain in your shoulder or difficultly with its range of motion? You may be developing frozen shoulder. "Frozen shoulder" is actually a colloquial term for capsulitis, a condition where the connective tissue in your shoulder joint develops scar tissue, causing decreased mobility. While frozen shoulder can sometimes resolve itself in about a year, there are times when it requires treatment or even surgery. Read on to learn more about this condition and your treatment options.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
People with preexisting conditions are more prone to developing frozen shoulder. For instance, people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, thyroid/any hormone imbalance, or a weak immune system are susceptible to this condition. However, doctors aren't always sure why some people with these conditions develop it while others never do.
The main cause of frozen shoulder is prolonged immobility. For example, if you had a surgery, like a mastectomy, where you weren't moving your shoulder as much, you can develop frozen shoulder. People who break their arms or have rotator cuff injuries are more prone to frozen shoulder if they don't get adequate physical therapy after recovering from surgery.
Can Less-Invasive Treatments Help?
If you take care of your symptoms early enough, you can definitely rehab the joint and break down the scar tissue. For instance, if you stand in a doorway, put your arm on the doorjamb, and slowly walk forward, you'll be able to passively stretch your shoulder. Before you try stretches like this to restore your mobility, talk with your doctor or physical therapist first.
Besides stretching, your doctor can inject anti-inflammatory shots into your shoulder to reduce your pain. You may need these shots to loosen the joint before you try physical therapy.
When is Surgery Required? What Does That Entail?
If stretching and cortisone shots don't work, and your condition worsens over time, then you may want to consider surgery. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a great option because recovery is minimal, and you won't need to go under the knife. During this procedure, you will be put under anesthesia, and then a team of doctors will actually stretch out your shoulder for you. MUA is a fantastic option because your doctors will be able to increase your soft tissue's mobility without you experiencing any pain.
If MUA doesn't help, shoulder arthroscopy is another option. You will be under anesthesia again, and your doctor will use a tiny instrument to create small incisions all around your joint capsule. Once these incisions are made, your doctor will insert an arthroscope, an instrument that is connected to a camera, where your doctor can inspect your tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage. A few more tiny incisions are made, and your doctor will repair or remove any damaged tissue.
MUA and arthroscopic surgery both have very good outcomes. For more information on shoulder surgery, contact an orthopedist in your area.