A frozen shoulder is a chronic and progressive condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The pain and stiffness typically occur gradually but can worsen quickly if not treated. The most common cause of a frozen shoulder is a tear in the rotator cuff or labrum. It is also common for people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke to develop this condition. Have you been wondering what some signs that you have a frozen shoulder are? The following are four signs you may have a frozen shoulder:
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Limited Range of Motion in the Glenohumeral Joint
When you have a frozen shoulder, you may feel a constant aching in your upper body. You’re unable to move your arm in certain positions and may experience pain when trying to use your shoulder or do simple tasks like combing your hair or reaching for something off the top shelf. With time, the muscles around the joint become immobilized to compensate for the lack of movement. This restricts movement further until it becomes impossible to move the arm without pain.
Pain in the Joint
Pain in the shoulder or arm is often a symptom showing that you need to have a frozen shoulder test. It’s estimated that one-third of people who have frozen shoulders will feel pain in their arms. The pain typically feels like it’s coming from the outermost point of your upper arm. Some people will experience this pain only on certain occasions, while others will always feel it. If you experience this pain, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
Stiffness in the Joint
Stiffness in the joint is caused when the capsule thickens, making it difficult for the rotator cuff muscles to move. The major sign of a frozen shoulder is stiffness in the joints, which can be felt when trying simple movements, such as reaching behind your back or holding your arm straight out in front of you. You might also feel pain and discomfort when moving your arm through specific ranges of motion. This stiffness may also worsen at night, creating a difficult time sleeping on either side of your body because you cannot get comfortable.
Decreased Range Of Motion in the Arm
Pain characterized frozen shoulder and decreased range of motion in the shoulder joint. Changes in the tissue structure of the shoulder occur. They become stiff and inflamed. The tissue becomes harder and more rigid, and less elastic fibers develop in the joint’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The connective tissues lose flexibility, and their resilience diminishes. This causes restricted mobility in the joint.
Difficulty with Tasks That Involve Overhead Motions
One of the most common causes of frozen shoulder is a rotator cuff tear. This is where the tendon that connects and supports the head of the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade becomes frayed or torn. Often, people find it challenging to perform overhead motions and tasks that involve turning your head and neck because of pain and inflammation in this area (usually after an injury).
This can be a sign of a frozen shoulder. The inflammation usually sets in weeks after trauma has occurred. It may take months for all symptoms to be gone, but this time frame will vary depending on the severity and age of the injury.
A frozen shoulder often occurs after an injury to the shoulder or because of chronic inflammation. The pain is usually worse during the night or any time it is touched. Activities of daily living are more complicated, and there may be a limited range of motion in the shoulder.
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