What is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS)?
FSS is a painful condition caused by a soft tissue capular lesion that restricts movement of the glenohumeral joint. The majority of people affected by this condition are between the ages of 40 and 60. 2-5% of the population is affected by FSS. The risk of being affected by FSS is higher for those with diabetes. The average duration of symptoms is 2 and a half years.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include limited abduction of the gleno-humeral joint, arm does not swing while walking, arm held in abduction while at rest. Those with FSS commonly complain of a sharp pain while reaching for their back pocket, combing their hair, or when clipping their bra.
3 Stages:
- Freezing: most painful stage, lasts 3-8 months, night pain is common during this stage
- Frozen: most extreme stiffness experienced during this stage, lasts 4-12 months, night pain begins to diminish
- Thawing: restriction of mobility begins to decrease, last 4-12 months, sometimes longer before full range of movement is restored
Treatment:
When a patient has run the gammet of treatments with medicine or have become frustrated with the lack of response to traditional care, they often end up in my office.
When a patient comes to my office, a functional assessment is conducted. Based on the results, we take an active approach in setting forth a plan for treatment based on the unique needs of the patient. Treatment plans vary from patient to patient based on factors such a age, mechanism of the injury, and prior medical history.
The functional assessment establishes a baseline from which the progress of treatment can be monitored. A technique devolped by Michael Leahy D.C., known as Active Release Technique can be used to help restore function to the frozen shoulder. This technique combines precisely directed tension against certain patient movements in order to restore movement.
Response to care is usually affected by how long a patient has had this condition. In most cases when Frozen Shoulder Syndrome is diagnosed before it is too late torespond favorably, the patient will recover within 6-8 weeks with conservative chiropractic care. However, if this condition is misdiagnosed or recognized too late to be adequately treated conservatively, Manipulation Under Anesthesia may be necessary. Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a non-surgical treatment choice used to address the build up of scar tissue in the shoulder in cases where Frozen Shoulder Syndrome progresses to the point where Active Release Technique is not effective.
If you suffer from Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, call 201-487-3131 tocay to schedule an appointment with Dr. Demetri Meimaris at his office in Hackensack, NJ.
Dr. Demetri Meimaris, 31 Mercer Street, Suite 1A, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601
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