Frozen Shoulder: How Does It Impact Daily Life and Activities?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It limits the shoulder’s range of motion and can make everyday tasks like reaching or lifting difficult. A frozen shoulder is usually triggered by inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule, which is the tissue enveloping the joint.
When it comes to shoulder injuries, the impact goes beyond just physical discomfort. These injuries can disrupt your daily routine and limit your ability to perform everyday activities. Seeking help from shoulder specialists in Pune is essential to ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation.
Daily Challenges
Pain and Discomfort
Individuals with frozen shoulder often experience persistent pain and discomfort, particularly when attempting to move the affected shoulder. This constant pain can make everyday tasks challenging and may even disrupt sleep patterns.
Difficulty with Basic Movements
Simple activities such as getting dressed, reaching for items on high shelves, or performing household chores like cooking and cleaning can become arduous tasks due to the restricted range of motion in the affected shoulder.
Sleep Disturbances
The pain and discomfort associated with frozen shoulder can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and impacting overall well-being.
Impact on Activities
Work and Employment
For many individuals, frozen shoulders can hinder their ability to perform certain job functions, especially if the job requires physical labour or repetitive arm movements.
Hobbies and Recreation
Engaging in hobbies and recreational activities such as sports, gardening, or playing musical instruments may become difficult or impossible, leading to frustration and a reduced sense of enjoyment.
Social and Personal Life
The limitations imposed by frozen shoulder can impact social interactions and personal relationships. Individuals may find it challenging to participate in social events or activities they once enjoyed, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration.
Emotional and Mental Well-being
Frustration and Stress
Dealing with the limitations imposed by frozen shoulder can lead to feelings of frustration and stress. The inability to perform everyday tasks or pursue enjoyable activities can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Depression and Anxiety
Persistent pain, limited mobility, and the impact on daily life can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety for individuals with frozen shoulder. It’s essential for individuals to seek support and professional help to manage these emotional challenges.
Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
A physical therapist can help you recover shoulder movement by teaching you simple exercises to improve your range of motion. It’s important to commit to doing these exercises regularly to regain as much movement as you can. Your physical therapist will customize the exercises to fit your needs and track your progress along the way. By sticking to your therapy routine, you’ll have the best chance of getting your shoulder back to normal.
Medication and Injections
Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) are commonly recommended to alleviate pain and inflammation linked with frozen shoulder. Additionally, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications when over-the-counter options are insufficient. These medications can help manage discomfort and improve mobility, but it’s essential to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or potential side effects.
Surgery:
Surgery for frozen shoulder is typically considered rare, but it may be necessary if other treatments fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure involves removing scar tissue from inside the shoulder joint. While surgery can offer significant improvement in mobility and pain relief for some individuals with frozen shoulder, it’s important to exhaust non-surgical options first and discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Dealing with a frozen shoulder brings persistent pain, limited movement, and disruptions to daily life. It affects work, hobbies, and social interactions, leading to frustration and emotional strain. Treatment options like physiotherapy, medication, and surgery offer hope for improvement. Regular exercise and medical guidance are crucial for recovery.
For the best care and advice, meet with Dr. Shrikant Dalal at the Orthos Centre , Orthopedic Clinic in Pune. He’s an expert in fixing frozen shoulders and cares about your overall health.