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Immobile Shoulder: How Does Frozen Shoulder Affect Your Daily Life?
In the rapidly changing modern life, shoulder flexibility is crucial for our daily activities. However, many people may be affected by this common shoulder condition, causing significant pain and inconvenience. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder, a condition that has a significant impact on quality of life.
The main symptom of frozen shoulder is a loss of shoulder range of motion, especially in external rotation. Many patients find that simple movements become difficult or even painful.
According to research, the incidence of frozen shoulder among Chinese adults is approximately 2% to 5%. It usually appears in people between the ages of 40 and 60, with a higher incidence in women. The cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but there are several risk factors, such as diabetes and thyroid disease. Studies have shown that the incidence of frozen shoulder in diabetic patients is five times higher than that in normal controls.
The pathophysiology of frozen shoulder
The process of frozen shoulder involves inflammation and fibrosis of the shoulder joint capsule, leading to the formation of scar tissue around the joint. This condition results in a limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, sometimes accompanied by temporary pain. In the initial stages, inflammatory cells in the joint fluid cause pain, which may resolve on its own over time, but often takes several years.
Frozen shoulder is usually divided into several stages: freezing, cementing and thawing, each with different symptoms and treatments.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder include persistent shoulder pain and severe limitation of range of motion. Patients often report increased pain at night and discomfort when doing any shoulder activity. Diagnosis usually relies on the patient's medical history and physical examination findings, and is often considered the final diagnosis after other shoulder problems have been ruled out.
Medical imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, can help identify structural changes in the shoulder, which also provides certain support in confirming the diagnosis. Ultrasound examination, in particular, can promptly display fibrosis and thickening of the shoulder, and is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing frozen shoulder.
Treatment methods
For the treatment of frozen shoulder, non-surgical methods are usually adopted in the initial stage. There is consensus that physical therapy, exercise, and oral analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common ways to relieve symptoms. Some studies also show that a combination of these methods can provide better results.
Whether it is non-surgical treatment or surgery, it is crucial to fully communicate with the patient to develop the most appropriate individualized treatment plan.
When conservative treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgery such as capsular release surgery. This surgery can be performed arthroscopically and is usually performed in a minimally invasive manner to promote recovery and restore range of motion to the shoulder.
Life Impact
The pain and limited mobility of frozen shoulder symptoms affect the patient's quality of life. Many normal daily activities, such as putting on clothing, raising hands, and even sleeping, can be made difficult by shoulder discomfort. This not only causes physical distress to patients, but also affects their emotional and mental health.
Over time, many patients will find that although frozen shoulder can heal on its own to a certain extent, it may take a long time. Some patients may still experience limitations in shoulder movement even after full recovery. This raises the question of whether you should actively seek treatment.
Will frozen shoulder change your lifestyle? Is this a question worth thinking about for everyone facing this situation?
