Thawing Your Frozen Shoulder
Is your Frozen Shoulder Responding to Traditional Care?
Frozen shoulder is a generic term used by physicians and the public to describe the loss of range of motion in the shoulder. While a frozen shoulder may be caused by a rotator cuff injury which refers to a injury to any of the tendons that attach muscles to the humerus (upper arm bone), there are several more common but overlooked causes. I have treated hundreds of patients with frozen shoulders that failed to respond to care because their diagnosis was wrong and the underlying cause was not addressed.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body with the greatest range of motion. The shoulder is one of the most unique joints in the body because it is not supported by a tight enclosed capsule like most joints but instead uses several sets of counter- balanced muscles to provide support. It is also unique in the fact that shoulder requires three bones (humerus, scapula and clavicle) to move in coordinate motion and the stability of the spine and ribs to achieve full range of motion. I have treated patients with frozen shoulders caused by trauma, sleeping on their side, and even from coughing and sneezing because the slightest change to coordination of the muscles or joints linked to the should can cause pain, weakness or loss of motion.
The traditional treatment for a frozen shoulder either involves a Cortisone injection into the area or physical therapy to force an increase in the range of motion. These short-sighted treatments often fail and can cause more significant damage that may require surgery. A more sophisticated approach involves determining if any of the major muscles groups are hypo or hyper tonic or if there are any limitations in any single joint involved the complete shoulder range of motion. The final important step is to coordinate all the muscle and joint motions in coordination with the other muscles and joints.
The most common missed issues in frozen shoulder cases included:
- Weak Latissimus Dorsi, Deltoid or Pectoralis muscles
- Rib sprains or subluxation either anterior and/or posterior
- AC sprain or subluxation either laterally or medially
- Abnormal muscle coordination
Frozen shoulders often require specialized treatment to fully recover. I have found that Applied Kinesiology gives me the ability to test each joints motion and muscles strength to maximize their function. Applied Kinesiology also allows the physician to check the coordination of all the muscles and joints during the shoulders full range of motion in relationship to each other. LiteCure Laser Therapy is a safe and effective method for reducing any tendonitis, bursitis, or capsulitis in the area while promoting the natural healing process. Kinesio-Tape is an important tool for supporting the should while it is healing. When treated properly the most severe frozen shoulder will have dramatic improvement within the first week of care.
If you have been suffering with a frozen shoulder or chronic shoulder pain make sure your healthcare provider has checked all of the possible causes.
Contact Dr. Steven Zodkoy, D.C., C.N.S., D.A.C.B.N. or Monmouth Advanced Medicine for more information