The shoulder may be the most used joint in the body because it is required for any movement involving the arm. The shoulder is designed to be extremely durable, but that does not mean it is completely resistant to damage. Since it is used so much, a small problem in the shoulder joint can completely limit your movements. If you are currently suffering from severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint in Oklahoma City, then you may be dealing with a term called frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder is a medical condition that occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint get too tight. This tightening limits your range of motion while also placing a lot of pressure on the ligaments and tendons in the shoulder joint. There is no exact known cause of frozen shoulder, but it usually occurs after the shoulder is immobilized for a long time. People that have diabetes are also far more likely to get frozen shoulder than anyone else.
The first stage of frozen shoulder will cause you to experience pain every time the shoulder is moved. This discomfort will gradually increase over a period of a few months before transitioning into the next stage of the condition. The second stage of frozen shoulder will drastically limit your ability to move your shoulder. The stiffness will continue to get worse over time. Your discomfort will likely diminish while the shoulder becomes stiffer. All of the symptoms of frozen shoulder will worsen at night, which can make it extremely hard to sleep. Once you get the proper treatment at our office in Oklahoma City, you will regain the ability to move your shoulder without much discomfort.
In order to start your treatment, your condition has to be accurately diagnosed. Treatment for frozen shoulder will likely begin with physical therapy. There are several shoulder exercises designed to improve the range of motion in the joint. Once you learn these exercises, then you will be able to perform them every day at home. Physical therapy will only work if you are dedicated to regularly performing the exercises. Medication may also be used to help reduce the discomfort and inflammation caused by frozen shoulder. If the physical therapy and medication do not help, then more drastic treatments will be used.
Learn more about your treatment options by scheduling a consultation at Olsen Orthopedics in Oklahoma City. Contact us today to book your appointment!
