Sedentary lifestyle triggers frozen shoulder problem

May 03, 2012 11:00 am | Updated 11:00 am IST - HYDERABAD:

Sedentary lifestyle, especially a work environment in which employees spend lot of time in front of computers, is triggering cases of frozen shoulder among many in the capital. Orthopaedics and physiotherapists point out that many neglect condition by brushing it away as normal pain only to realise later that they can't move the shoulder even an inch.

Physiotherapists point out that at least one out of every 10 persons has frozen shoulder condition. The frozen shoulder condition occurs because of inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule.

“Frozen shoulder condition is common among women. They get injured due to trauma but never visit the doctor. Women also don't know that this condition can be cured and there is no need for complicated shoulder procedures,” says Sports Medicine and Consultant Physiotherapist at Vivekananda Hospitals, Dr. M. Manjunatha.

Diabetes/thyroid

While doctors maintain that the exact reason for frozen shoulder is yet to be known, broadly 5 to 10 per cent of frozen shoulder cases are due to diabetes and thyroid problems. Any kind of trauma and injury to the joints could also lead to such a condition.

Three phases

There are three phases in frozen shoulder condition. “In the first phase, persons will feel severe shoulder pain and yet patients can continue to move shoulders. This condition could last from five to nine months. The second phase is the frozen stage in which patients won't be able to move the shoulder and finally in the third phase, which could last for years, the shoulder is fully stiff,” explains Dr. Manjunatha.

Surprisingly, treatment modality for frozen shoulder does not entail complicated procedures. The ideal treatment is by physical exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

“Pain killers, administering ultrasound high frequency current, low frequency current that produces a massaging effect can be used to reduce stiffness. Main treatment method is exercises,” he said.

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