I generally
prefer not to chat about my medical conditions online. However,
I've decided to compile a bunch of links to online pages about
frozen shoulder and share what little I know.
I have had the same set of symptoms several times on the past
8 years. Each time the pain and stiffness flared up, I'd seek medical
expertise. Unfortunately, docs disagreed on a specific diagnosis
and what to do about it (bursitis, tendenitis, Yes, contrary to
the so called medical experts, it does reoccur.
The first time I had a frozen shoulder my condition built up to
a point when I'd drop to my knees when the pain hit; it was so
sudden and intense. My specialist at the time recommended physical
therapy; and if that didn't work - surgery. During the PT phase,
which a joke, I read that FSS eventually clears up on its own,
so I opted out of surgery.
A couple of years later, the other shoulder. Generally,
the pain and stiffness phases were not as bad as the first. A few
years later, it hit both shoulders. Same pattern each time; gradual
increase in pain, until I couldn't sleep on that side, couldn't
easily do basic tasks easily like dressing, getting in/out of the
car, carrying things. Then a simultaneous reduction in pain as
the stiffness (frozen stage) increased. Then a gradual reduction
in stiffness.
My PCPs over the years haven't been much help, except to all agree
it's some form of inflammation. I've gotten the feeling they not
terribly excited about the condition since there's not much research,
no good understanding of its cause, no exciting treatment options
and it's not a fatal condition. In other words, it's about as exciting
for them to treat as the common cold. Thus, I've learned to expect
nothing from them.
I've concluded the web is the best source for any information,
support, etc. There seems to be tons more info online about
this than there was when this condition first hit me. I have found
a few discussions online (maybe just one) that referenced FSS as
possibly being an auto-immune disorder, since it's commonly associated
with patients with Diabetes or Graves Disease. But that's apparent
speculation.
I truly believe most minor medical problems (FSS, allergies,
skin sensitivities, fungal infections) are all tied to one big
immunity problem; the body is not able to properly recognize
and appropriately respond to the various chemicals and organisms.
It's general response is inflammation and pain.
But now that I know what it is and how to recognize the FSS symptoms,
when the pain makes a hint of starting, instead of mothering my
shoulder, I will stretch it more during the day and heat pad it
at night. It's a form of preventative physical therapy, which I
think works far better than whatever is done once the condition
is well established. So I haven't had the kind of pain I had during
my first time and the stiffness doesn't last as long.
I'm not suffering from shoulder stiffness nor pain at the moment,
but I think I'm as ready as I can be if it hits again.
My only wish - a tall horizontal bar to hang from to stretch my
shoulders and keep them limber. Keeping the shoulders flexible
and well exercised is the key, I think, to keeping this condition
under control; at least until someone figures out how to get an
immune and/or endocrine system back into good working order.
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Links to some good information
about frozen shoulder:
OrthoGate: Adhesive
Capsulitis
- Looks like a good general discussion.
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Frozen
Shoulder
(Adhesive Capsulitis )
- I like this page because it mentions a possible association
between FS and thyroid disease, which I also suffer
from. It also mentions the condition doesn't seem to
occur in any other joint in the body. I have my doubts
but no evidence; just doubts because I'm a natural
skeptic about poorly defined medical conditions.
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about.com's
Orthopedics: Frozen Shoulder
- Looks like some comprehensive info, plus a nice little
picture
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frozenshoulder.com
- Who knew? A whole site devoted to the frozen shoulder
syndrome. I've no idea if this place is any good though.
The Niel-Asher Technique®? What's
up with that? Buyer beware!
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Chet's
FSS prevention
- I'm not a big believer that a diet of minimally processed
foods will help prevent my immune system from attacking
my shoulder, but most of the rest of the info on this
page seems useful. Thanks, Chet.
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