shoulder pain

My aching shoulder!

in Chiropractor  by May 15, 2020 0 comments

Shoulder pain is one of the most common non-spinal injury I see in my office.  What I hear a lot of as your Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area is the patient can’t raise their arm like before.  Most times it is noticed when they go to comb your hair or put on a jacket.  Adhesive capsulitis is usually the cause but biceps tendonitis can’t be overlooked.  Especially in athletic patients.

 

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon. Also called the long head of the biceps tendon, this strong, cord-like structure connects the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder.

Pain in the front of the shoulder and weakness are common symptoms of biceps tendinitis. They can often be relieved with rest and medication. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.

 

Anatomy

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).

 

Biceps tendons

The biceps tendons attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder bone.

Glenoid. The head of your upper arm bone fits into the rounded socket in your shoulder blade. This socket is called the glenoid. The glenoid is lined with soft cartilage called the labrum. This tissue helps the head of the upper arm fit into the shoulder socket.

Rotator cuff. A combination of muscles and tendons keeps your arm centered in your shoulder socket. These tissues are called the rotator cuff. They cover the head of your upper arm bone and attach it to your shoulder blade.

Biceps tendons. The biceps muscle is in the front of your upper arm. It has two tendons that attach it to bones in the shoulder. The long head attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid).

The short head of the biceps tendon attaches to a bump on the shoulder blade called the coracoid process.

 

Description

Biceps tendinitis is inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon. In its early stages, the tendon becomes red and swollen. As tendinitis develops, the tendon sheath (covering) can thicken. The tendon itself often thickens or grows larger.

The tendon in these late stages is often dark red in color due to the inflammation. Occasionally, the damage to the tendon can result in a tendon tear, and then deformity of the arm (a “Popeye” bulge in the upper arm).

Biceps tendinitis usually occurs along with other shoulder problems. In most cases, there is also damage to the rotator cuff tendon. Other problems that often accompany biceps tendinitis include:

 

Arthritis of the shoulder joint

Tears in the glenoid labrum

Chronic shoulder instability (dislocation)

Shoulder impingement

Other diseases that cause inflammation of the shoulder joint lining

 

Cause

In most cases, damage to the biceps tendon is due to a lifetime of normal activities. As we age, our tendons slowly weaken with everyday wear and tear. This degeneration can be worsened by overuse — repeating the same shoulder motions again and again.

Many jobs and routine chores can cause overuse damage. Sports activities — particularly those that require repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball — can also put people at risk for biceps tendinitis.

Repetitive overhead motion may play a part in other shoulder problems that occur with biceps tendinitis. Rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, and chronic shoulder instability are often caused by overuse.

 

Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder, which worsens with overhead lifting or activity

Pain or achiness that moves down the upper arm bone

An occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder

 

Nonsurgical Treatment

Biceps tendinitis is typically first treated with simple methods.

Rest. The first step toward recovery is to avoid activities that cause pain.

Ice. Apply cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to keep swelling down. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.

Steroid injections. Steroids such as cortisone are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Injecting steroids into the tendon can relieve pain. Your doctor will use these cautiously. In rare circumstances, steroid injections can further weaken the already injured tendon, causing it to tear.

Chiropractic/Physical therapy. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and strengthen your shoulder.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Decreased shoulder movement

in Chiropractor  by July 11, 2019 0 comments

Shoulder pain is very common because the joint has a huge range of motion which means it sacrifices some stability.  A common shoulder injury is frozen shoulder.  This can be the result of multiple injuries to the labrum portion of the joint causing pain, which than leads to lose of motion and a tightening of the shoulder.  Your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area has some information that may help

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule (a sac of ligaments surrounding the joint) swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both.

The term “frozen shoulder” is often used incorrectly for arthritis, even though the two conditions are unrelated. Frozen shoulder refers specifically to the shoulder joint, while arthritis may refer to other/multiple joints.

The shoulder has a spheroidal joint (ball – and – socket joint), in which the round part of one bone fits into the concavity of another. The proximal humerus (round head of the upper arm bone) fits into socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint’s capsule (not to be confused with the rotator cuff) thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful.

The modern English words “adhesive capsulitis” are derived from the Latin words adhaerens meaning “sticking to” and capsula meaning “little container” and the Greek word itis meaning “inflammation”.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Women tend to suffer with frozen shoulder more than men.

 

Causes of frozen shoulder

The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture. The condition is common in people with diabetes.

 

Risk factors for frozen shoulder

A risk factor is something that elevates the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking is a risk factor for cancer – it elevates the risk of developing lung cancer.

 

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are:

You’re more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder if you’re female and over 40 years of age.

Age – being over 40 years of age.

Gender – 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.

Recent surgery or arm fracture – immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen.

Diabetes – two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe.

Having suffered a stroke.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

Parkinson’s disease.

 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

A symptom is something the patient feels and/or reports, while a sign is something others, including the doctor observe. For example, pain is usually a symptom, while a rash could be a sign.

The most pervasive sign or symptom of frozen shoulder is a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually; usually in three stages in which signs and symptoms worsen gradually and resolve within a two – year period.

 

There are three stages of frozen shoulder:

Painful stage – the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night.

Frozen/adhesive stage – the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion. Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen.

Thawing stage – movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur.

 

You should visit your local chiropractor to have this problem evaluated and treated.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Shoulder Pain

in Chiropractor  by June 7, 2019 0 comments

Due to the fact your shoulder has an incredible range of motion it suffers in stability.  So, this decreased bony stability means the supportive soft tissue has to prevent the shoulder from dislocating.  This tissue does a pretty good job unless there is a lot of torque applied to the arm.  Throwing over hand, repetitive arm movements… are just a few that can lead to support tissue injury.  The most common result of an injury to this tissue is frozen shoulder.  Your Woodbridge, Dale City VA chiropractor has some frozen shoulder information for you.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule (a sac of ligaments surrounding the joint) swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both.

The term “frozen shoulder” is often used incorrectly for arthritis, even though the two conditions are unrelated. Frozen shoulder refers specifically to the shoulder joint, while arthritis may refer to other/multiple joints.

The shoulder has a spheroidal joint (ball – and – socket joint), in which the round part of one bone fits into the concavity of another. The proximal humerus (round head of the upper arm bone) fits into socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint’s capsule (not to be confused with the rotator cuff) thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful.

The modern English words “adhesive capsulitis” are derived from the Latin words adhaerens meaning “sticking to” and capsula meaning “little container” and the Greek word itis meaning “inflammation”.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Women tend to suffer with frozen shoulder more than men.

 

Causes of frozen shoulder

The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture. The condition is common in people with diabetes.

 

Risk factors for frozen shoulder

A risk factor is something that elevates the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking is a risk factor for cancer – it elevates the risk of developing lung cancer.

 

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are:

You’re more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder if you’re female and over 40 years of age.

Age – being over 40 years of age.

Gender – 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.

Recent surgery or arm fracture – immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen.

Diabetes – two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe.

Having suffered a stroke.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

Parkinson’s disease.

 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

A symptom is something the patient feels and/or reports, while a sign is something others, including the doctor observe. For example, pain is usually a symptom, while a rash could be a sign.

The most pervasive sign or symptom of frozen shoulder is a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually; usually in three stages in which signs and symptoms worsen gradually and resolve within a two – year period.

 

There are three stages of frozen shoulder:

Painful stage – the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night.

Frozen/adhesive stage – the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion. Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen.

Thawing stage – movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur.

 

You should visit your local chiropractor to have this problem evaluated and treated.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Shoulder pain

in Chiropractor  by May 1, 2019 0 comments

Shoulder pain is one of the most common non-spinal things I see as your Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area.  Most people notice the pain with working with their hands in front of their bodies.  Another common complaint is trying to put on a jacket or reaching in the back seat of their car.  There are several causes to generic shoulder pain but this is one of the most common.

 

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon. Also called the long head of the biceps tendon, this strong, cord-like structure connects the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder.

Pain in the front of the shoulder and weakness are common symptoms of biceps tendinitis. They can often be relieved with rest and medication. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.

 

Anatomy

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).

 

Biceps tendons

The biceps tendons attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder bone.

Glenoid. The head of your upper arm bone fits into the rounded socket in your shoulder blade. This socket is called the glenoid. The glenoid is lined with soft cartilage called the labrum. This tissue helps the head of the upper arm fit into the shoulder socket.

Rotator cuff. A combination of muscles and tendons keeps your arm centered in your shoulder socket. These tissues are called the rotator cuff. They cover the head of your upper arm bone and attach it to your shoulder blade.

Biceps tendons. The biceps muscle is in the front of your upper arm. It has two tendons that attach it to bones in the shoulder. The long head attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid).

The short head of the biceps tendon attaches to a bump on the shoulder blade called the coracoid process.

 

Description

Biceps tendinitis is inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon. In its early stages, the tendon becomes red and swollen. As tendinitis develops, the tendon sheath (covering) can thicken. The tendon itself often thickens or grows larger.

The tendon in these late stages is often dark red in color due to the inflammation. Occasionally, the damage to the tendon can result in a tendon tear, and then deformity of the arm (a “Popeye” bulge in the upper arm).

Biceps tendinitis usually occurs along with other shoulder problems. In most cases, there is also damage to the rotator cuff tendon. Other problems that often accompany biceps tendinitis include:

 

Arthritis of the shoulder joint

Tears in the glenoid labrum

Chronic shoulder instability (dislocation)

Shoulder impingement

Other diseases that cause inflammation of the shoulder joint lining

 

Cause

In most cases, damage to the biceps tendon is due to a lifetime of normal activities. As we age, our tendons slowly weaken with everyday wear and tear. This degeneration can be worsened by overuse — repeating the same shoulder motions again and again.

Many jobs and routine chores can cause overuse damage. Sports activities — particularly those that require repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball — can also put people at risk for biceps tendinitis.

Repetitive overhead motion may play a part in other shoulder problems that occur with biceps tendinitis. Rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, and chronic shoulder instability are often caused by overuse.

 

Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder, which worsens with overhead lifting or activity

Pain or achiness that moves down the upper arm bone

An occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder

 

Nonsurgical Treatment

Biceps tendinitis is typically first treated with simple methods.

Rest. The first step toward recovery is to avoid activities that cause pain.

Ice. Apply cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to keep swelling down. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.

Steroid injections. Steroids such as cortisone are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Injecting steroids into the tendon can relieve pain. Your doctor will use these cautiously. In rare circumstances, steroid injections can further weaken the already injured tendon, causing it to tear.

Chiropractic/Physical therapy. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and strengthen your shoulder.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Biceps tendinitis

in Chiropractor  by July 13, 2018 0 comments

Why does my shoulder hurt?  I haven’t done anything different.  As your Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractor I hear this a few times a month.  Another one is I can reach into my backseat anymore because my shoulder hurts.  Trust me, I know all the complaints since I get this every year or so.  Oddly enough like most Doctors when it is your injury it has to be different, you lose all diagnostic skill and it has to be worse than anyone else’s.  So, I catch myself on the phone to my orthopedic, neurology and chiropractic buddies going “man my shoulder is killing me, what do you think it is?”  That gets the long pause…  but I am quick to remind them “hey weren’t you in here all baffled with your SI pain a few weeks ago!”  Most times this unexplained but very painful complaint is biceps tendinitis.  And yes, it comes from regular movements.

 

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon. Also called the long head of the biceps tendon, this strong, cord-like structure connects the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder.

Pain in the front of the shoulder and weakness are common symptoms of biceps tendinitis. They can often be relieved with rest and medication. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.

 

Anatomy

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).

 

Biceps tendons

The biceps tendons attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder bone.

Glenoid. The head of your upper arm bone fits into the rounded socket in your shoulder blade. This socket is called the glenoid. The glenoid is lined with soft cartilage called the labrum. This tissue helps the head of the upper arm fit into the shoulder socket.

Rotator cuff. A combination of muscles and tendons keeps your arm centered in your shoulder socket. These tissues are called the rotator cuff. They cover the head of your upper arm bone and attach it to your shoulder blade.

Biceps tendons. The biceps muscle is in the front of your upper arm. It has two tendons that attach it to bones in the shoulder. The long head attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid).

The short head of the biceps tendon attaches to a bump on the shoulder blade called the coracoid process.

 

Description

Biceps tendinitis is inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon. In its early stages, the tendon becomes red and swollen. As tendinitis develops, the tendon sheath (covering) can thicken. The tendon itself often thickens or grows larger.

The tendon in these late stages is often dark red in color due to the inflammation. Occasionally, the damage to the tendon can result in a tendon tear, and then deformity of the arm (a “Popeye” bulge in the upper arm).

Biceps tendinitis usually occurs along with other shoulder problems. In most cases, there is also damage to the rotator cuff tendon. Other problems that often accompany biceps tendinitis include:

 

Arthritis of the shoulder joint

Tears in the glenoid labrum

Chronic shoulder instability (dislocation)

Shoulder impingement

Other diseases that cause inflammation of the shoulder joint lining

 

Cause

In most cases, damage to the biceps tendon is due to a lifetime of normal activities. As we age, our tendons slowly weaken with everyday wear and tear. This degeneration can be worsened by overuse — repeating the same shoulder motions again and again.

Many jobs and routine chores can cause overuse damage. Sports activities — particularly those that require repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball — can also put people at risk for biceps tendinitis.

Repetitive overhead motion may play a part in other shoulder problems that occur with biceps tendinitis. Rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, and chronic shoulder instability are often caused by overuse.

 

Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder, which worsens with overhead lifting or activity

Pain or achiness that moves down the upper arm bone

An occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder

 

Nonsurgical Treatment

Biceps tendinitis is typically first treated with simple methods.

Rest. The first step toward recovery is to avoid activities that cause pain.

Ice. Apply cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to keep swelling down. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.

Steroid injections. Steroids such as cortisone are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Injecting steroids into the tendon can relieve pain. Your doctor will use these cautiously. In rare circumstances, steroid injections can further weaken the already injured tendon, causing it to tear.

Chiropractic/Physical therapy. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and strengthen your shoulder.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Shoulder Pain

in Chiropractor  by June 8, 2018 0 comments

Due to the fact your shoulder has an incredible range of motion it suffers in stability.  So, this decreased bony stability means the supportive soft tissue has to prevent the shoulder from dislocating.  This tissue does a pretty good job unless there is a lot of torque applied to the arm.  Throwing over hand, repetitive arm movements… are just a few that can lead to support tissue injury.  The most common result of an injury to this tissue is frozen shoulder.  Your Woodbridge, Dale City VA chiropractor has some frozen shoulder information for you.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule (a sac of ligaments surrounding the joint) swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both.

The term “frozen shoulder” is often used incorrectly for arthritis, even though the two conditions are unrelated. Frozen shoulder refers specifically to the shoulder joint, while arthritis may refer to other/multiple joints.

The shoulder has a spheroidal joint (ball – and – socket joint), in which the round part of one bone fits into the concavity of another. The proximal humerus (round head of the upper arm bone) fits into socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint’s capsule (not to be confused with the rotator cuff) thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful.

The modern English words “adhesive capsulitis” are derived from the Latin words adhaerens meaning “sticking to” and capsula meaning “little container” and the Greek word itis meaning “inflammation”.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Women tend to suffer with frozen shoulder more than men.

 

Causes of frozen shoulder

The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture. The condition is common in people with diabetes.

 

Risk factors for frozen shoulder

A risk factor is something that elevates the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking is a risk factor for cancer – it elevates the risk of developing lung cancer.

 

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are:

You’re more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder if you’re female and over 40 years of age.

Age – being over 40 years of age.

Gender – 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.

Recent surgery or arm fracture – immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen.

Diabetes – two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe.

Having suffered a stroke.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

Parkinson’s disease.

 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

A symptom is something the patient feels and/or reports, while a sign is something others, including the doctor observe. For example, pain is usually a symptom, while a rash could be a sign.

The most pervasive sign or symptom of frozen shoulder is a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually; usually in three stages in which signs and symptoms worsen gradually and resolve within a two – year period.

 

There are three stages of frozen shoulder:

Painful stage – the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night.

Frozen/adhesive stage – the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion. Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen.

Thawing stage – movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur.

 

You should visit your local chiropractor to have this problem evaluated and treated.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Shoulder Pain

in Chiropractor  by September 15, 2017 0 comments

Shoulder pain becomes much more common as we get older.  One common thing I see with patients is they notice they can no longer comb the back of the head or they can’t get something off the top shelf.  Over time the shoulder capsule tightens especially if you have had an injury.  If you made it past the age of 40 the odds are very good you have had several injuries.  Your Woodbridge, Dale City VA chiropractor has some information on frozen shoulder that may help you better understand your shoulder complaint.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule (a sac of ligaments surrounding the joint) swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both.

The term “frozen shoulder” is often used incorrectly for arthritis, even though the two conditions are unrelated. Frozen shoulder refers specifically to the shoulder joint, while arthritis may refer to other/multiple joints.

The shoulder has a spheroidal joint (ball – and – socket joint), in which the round part of one bone fits into the concavity of another. The proximal humerus (round head of the upper arm bone) fits into socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint’s capsule (not to be confused with the rotator cuff) thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful.

The modern English words “adhesive capsulitis” are derived from the Latin words adhaerens meaning “sticking to” and capsula meaning “little container” and the Greek word itis meaning “inflammation”.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Women tend to suffer with frozen shoulder more than men.

 

Causes of frozen shoulder

The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture. The condition is common in people with diabetes.

 

Risk factors for frozen shoulder

A risk factor is something that elevates the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking is a risk factor for cancer – it elevates the risk of developing lung cancer.

 

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are:

You’re more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder if you’re female and over 40 years of age.

Age – being over 40 years of age.

Gender – 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.

Recent surgery or arm fracture – immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen.

Diabetes – two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe.

Having suffered a stroke.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease).

Parkinson’s disease.

 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

A symptom is something the patient feels and/or reports, while a sign is something others, including the doctor observe. For example, pain is usually a symptom, while a rash could be a sign.

The most pervasive sign or symptom of frozen shoulder is a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually; usually in three stages in which signs and symptoms worsen gradually and resolve within a two – year period.

 

There are three stages of frozen shoulder:

Painful stage – the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night.

Frozen/adhesive stage – the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion. Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen.

Thawing stage – movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur.

 

You should visit your local chiropractor to have this problem evaluated and treated.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

Map Link

Exercises to help with shoulder pain

in Chiropractor  by July 31, 2014 0 comments

Shoulder injuries are very common and at Doroski Chiropractic Neurology in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Dale City VA area we see our fair share.   Most of the injuries I see in my chiropractic office are activity related or over use but we also see a significant amount of injuries from things as little as sleeping.  In researching this type of injury it lead me to develop shoulder brace to be worn at night.  I just recently had the sling developed and we were awarded a patent on it a few years ago.  I recommend it for all my patients with pain.  Along with supporting it there are several basic things you can do to also help with pain.  Here are some low tech but effective exercises.

Before attempting any specific shoulder exercises a full and accurate diagnosis of your injury is required. Below we outline the general exercises which should be done in the early, middle and late stages of shoulder rehabilitation as well as shoulder exercises for specific injuries.

The aim of rehabilitation is to reduce initial pain and allow the tissues to heal before regaining range of motion, muscle strength and finally functional or sports specific exercises and co-ordination.

Early stage shoulder exercises

Early stage shoulder rehabilitation begins as soon as the injury has occurred. This is known as the acute stage where the injury is fresh and most likely painful. The aim of shoulder rehabilitation in the acute stage is to allow the tissues to heal, reduce pain and inflammation, begin to regain pain free range of movement, prevent muscle wasting and begin shoulder blade or scapula exercises.

Rest is important for allowing tissues to heal and applying ice, heat or both may be indicated depending on your injury and how old it is. A professional practitioner may apply other techniques such as electrotherapy or massage to aid healing.

Range of motion is re-established with pendulum exercises staying within the pain free range. Pole exercises and manual therapist stretching and mobility can also be done to increase the normal range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Isometric or static exercises should be done to prevent muscle wasting. These are exercises where the muscle is contracted against an immovable resistance such as a wall, held for a short time then relaxed. This type of exercise works the muscles without having to move the joint. Scapular stabilizing exercises should also be done if they can be performed without pain.

Mid stage shoulder exercises

Mid stage shoulder exercises aim to regain full, normal range of movement, improve shoulder blade control and regain normal upper body strength in both sides.

Mid stage exercises can be progressed to once the early stage exercises are comfortable. The patient is ready to move out of the acute stage exercises when active exercises involving movement can be done pain free and range of motion is at least three quarters that of the uninjured shoulder. There is no hard and fast rule that any particular exercises should be early, mid or late. If in doubt consult professional advice.

 

Flexibility is improved by progressing pole or wand exercises, using the pole to increase range of motion in a stretch or exercise. More advanced scapula exercises are performed and strengthening exercises involving movement with resistance bands are used to increase strength.

Late stage shoulder exercises

Late stage shoulder exercises aim to restore full strength to the injured shoulder and begin functional or sports specific exercises that bridge the gap between basic shoulder rehabilitation exercises and normal sports specific training. Medicine balls are used and more rotational, explosive exercise are included which use the combined muscle groups. This will increase the muscle power which is more relevant to sport. Often late stage exercises will become more sports specific and will depend on the requirements of the sport. For example footballers will kick balls, racket sports will involving using rackets but building up gradually in a controlled

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge, VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Frozen shoulder is a common diagnosis but what is it…

in Chiropractor  by June 16, 2014 0 comments

Shoulder pain is something a lot of my patients suffer from.  At Doroski Chiropractic Neurolgy in Woodbridge Va we see all sorts of different types of shoulder pain.  Some are local to the joint and some are a referral from someplace else.  The referred pain is one of the harder things for patients to understand.  They come in for shoulder pain and leave with a cervical diagnosis.  But in the end the pain generally improves.  One of the most common types of shoulder pain we see is frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.

Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one or two years.  One of the biggest causes of this disorder is a lack of use.  The lack of use could come from the arm being immobilized due to another injury or also just as common is just not moving it as much.  One way people know they have it is one morning they notice they can no longer comb the back of their hair, scratch their own back or reach in to the back seat.

What causes the shoulder to feel frozen is the bones, ligaments and tendons that make up your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

Most times it can be diagnosed by the patient’s own description but there are a few tests that are don to make sure it is frozen shoulder.  The most common tests mainly check the shoulder ROM.

1  Hands up. Raise both your hands straight up in the air, like a football referee calling a touchdown.

2  Opposite shoulder. Reach across your chest to touch your opposite shoulder.

3  Back scratch. Starting with the back of your hand against the small of your back, reach upward to touch your opposite shoulder blade.

Your doctor may also ask you to relax your muscles while he or she moves your arm for you. This test can help distinguish between frozen shoulder and a rotator cuff injury.

Frozen shoulder can usually be diagnosed from signs and symptoms alone. But your doctor may suggest imaging tests — such as X-rays or an MRI — to rule out other structural problems.

Once it is diagnosed there are many none invasive treatments that can be done to improve the shoulder ROM and decrease the pain.  At Doroski Chiropractic Neurology in Woodbridge VA we have a very high success rate in treating this disorder.  Call today for an appointment!

 

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link