Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Ho Chi Minh City

Sometimes a terrible stiffness can take over your shoulder, making every movement a struggle. This is more than a minor ache. It’s a specific condition with a memorable name: frozen shoulder. Doctors sometimes call it adhesive capsulitis. Scar tissue builds up inside the shoulder capsule, making it grow stiff and tight. As this happens, the joint cannot move as freely as before.

Frozen shoulder usually develops in stages. First comes the pain, which later fades while stiffness increases. Eventually, some people regain movement; for others, the shoulder stays restricted for years.

People between 40 and 60 years old encounter this condition more frequently, with women affected more commonly than men. Injury, surgery, or long periods of inactivity can start the process. Sometimes, there’s no obvious reason at all.

Ordinary tasks become difficult. Simple actions such as lifting your arm to reach upwards, brushing your hair, or putting on clothes may become difficult. The sense of frustration grows as simple movements become limited, but with the right support, improvement is possible.

Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder

A shoulder needs to move freely to stay healthy, and when it doesn’t, trouble begins. The most common trigger is lack of use. This often follows an injury or surgery. Sometimes, a minor shoulder injury is all it takes. You might favour the arm and move it less. Stiffness then creeps in over time.

Certain health problems raise the risk, and diabetes is a major factor. Thyroid disorders can also play a role, while heart disease and Parkinson’s appear in many cases.

Long periods of immobility set the stage for trouble. This could happen if you need to wear a sling or take bed rest for other conditions. The condition tends to appear most in middle age, and genetics may have some influence.

Not every case has a clear cause, but in every case, early movement makes a difference.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Stiffness is the hallmark sign, with the shoulder refusing to move the way it once did. Pain is another common early symptom that often worsens at night or with sudden movement.

There are three main stages, beginning with the “freezing” phase, with sharp pain and increasing restriction. The “frozen” phase follows, where pain may ease but stiffness is constant. Daily routines grow harder; you might struggle to lift your arm or reach behind your back. Simple things, such as combing your hair or fastening a bra, become a challenge. The affected joint may feel weaker. After several months of restricted movement, muscles around the shoulder may begin to weaken.

In some people, the pain can spread to the upper arm. Others notice a dull ache that never quite goes away. The condition is slow to improve, and symptoms can last many months.

How Frozen Shoulder Is Diagnosed

A careful examination starts the process. Your doctor asks about pain, stiffness, and how long symptoms have lasted. They’ll check your shoulder movement and ask you to lift, rotate, and extend your arm. The doctor compares both sides, looking for differences in movement and comfort. They may gently press on the joint to find tender areas.

Sometimes, an X-ray or MRI rules out other conditions. These scans help check for arthritis, a torn rotator cuff, or other joint issues. A diagnosis relies on recognising the classic signs: limited range, pain, and gradual progression. Doctors rarely need complex tests to identify the condition.

With the right questions and simple movement checks, most cases become clear. Attention then turns to finding the most suitable path for your recovery.

When to See a Doctor

Pain that will not go away deserves attention. If your shoulder becomes stiff or sore, do not ignore it. Difficulty moving your arm after a fall also needs assessment.

If you cannot sleep or put on your clothes properly because of pain, a visit is advisable. Swelling, redness, or fever in the joint calls for medical help. Sometimes, symptoms start mild but worsen over weeks. Early care helps prevent lasting damage.

If you notice unexpected weakness or numbness in your arm, it may point to a different underlying issue. You should never dismiss sudden, severe pain. Your doctor can identify the real problem and suggest the right approach, with good advice for faster recovery.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options

Treatment begins with easing pain and restoring movement. Most people try gentle stretching and daily exercise first. Warm compresses can soften the joint.

Doctors may recommend pain-relief tablets to reduce discomfort. Sometimes, they inject anti-inflammatory medication into the joint. This helps control swelling and pain.

Physical therapy is a key part of recovery, and a skilled therapist can show you how to stretch safely. These movements encourage flexibility and prevent more stiffness. In some cases, the joint responds slowly, so the doctor might suggest stronger medicines or special treatments. Hydrodilatation, a procedure using sterile fluid, can loosen the joint capsule.

Rarely, surgery is an option. This is for stubborn cases where nothing else helps. Surgery may involve releasing tight tissue or removing scar tissue.

Every person’s path is different. Some recover in months, while others need a year or more. The right support can make a big difference on this journey.

Some clinics offer massage or alternative therapies to manage pain. Gentle, supervised movement helps restore strength. Sticking with your exercises encourages steady progress, and communication with your care team ensures the best possible results.

How Chiropractic Helps with Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic care considers your overall wellbeing rather than focusing only on the affected joint. Your chiropractor listens to your story and checks how your body moves.

At Maple Healthcare, chiropractors apply manual therapies to help loosen the shoulder and restore movement. Gentle adjustments can improve joint function. These movements aim to free up the shoulder capsule and surrounding muscles.

They may combine chiropractic adjustments with massage, heat therapy, or special stretching exercises. This holistic approach encourages natural healing, supporting the breakdown of scar tissue and helps lower inflammation within the joint.

Your chiropractor also checks your spine and neck. Sometimes, neck or back issues can affect the shoulder. Addressing these helps improve overall movement.

Education is a big part of chiropractic care. Your provider will show you how to keep the shoulder moving at home. You’ll learn stretches and strengthening exercises designed for your needs.

Consistency is key. Visiting your chiropractor regularly helps track your progress. Every person’s experience is unique, so your care plan adapts as you improve. People often notice improved comfort and movement within a few sessions, and early results can encourage you to keep going. 

Chiropractic care is drug-free and natural. It suits those wanting to avoid long-term medication. Many people feel it fits well with other treatments, such as physiotherapy. Your chiropractor takes time to address your concerns and help you feel at ease. Maple Healthcare believes in honest, open conversations. You become part of the team working for your recovery.

Why Choose Maple Healthcare for Frozen Shoulder Treatment?

Maple Healthcare stands out for compassionate care. Every patient receives individual attention from skilled professionals, who specialise in musculoskeletal problems, including frozen shoulder.

Their expertise in treating people of all ages ensures you receive care suited to your individual needs. Modern, safe techniques make every visit comfortable.

Maple Healthcare creates a calming, welcoming environment for every guest, with comprehensive care that goes beyond the first visit. Your chiropractor will check progress and adjust treatment as needed. You’ll receive support from a caring team throughout your journey.

You will learn how to manage your condition and prevent trouble, with the clinic providing simple advice for daily life. Many patients share stories of restored movement and better quality of life, reflecting the clinic’s dedication.

Convenient scheduling and easy access mean less stress for busy people. Maple Healthcare always welcomes your questions and concerns. Your trust will grow as you experience expert care, and your wellbeing sits at the heart of everything they do. The goal is always to help you return to a life of comfort and freedom.

FAQs

What causes frozen shoulder?

This condition often develops after an injury or period of immobility. Sometimes, underlying health problems such as diabetes or thyroid disorders increase your risk. In other cases, no specific cause is found.

What is the typical recovery time for someone experiencing frozen shoulder?

Recovery times vary. Many people notice improvement within a year, but it can take up to three years for full movement to return. Consistent care and patience help speed up progress.

Is surgery necessary for frozen shoulder?

Most people do not need surgery. Treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic care usually bring improvement. Surgery is only recommended if other methods fail.

Can chiropractic care really help?

Chiropractic care can improve flexibility and reduce pain for many patients. It works well as part of a broader treatment plan and offers a drug-free option for recovery.

How can I prevent frozen shoulder from returning?

Regular movement, stretching exercises, and addressing health concerns early can reduce the chance of recurrence.

If you have questions that need answering, please leave information in the form below or contact us directly at: FANPAGE MAPLEHEALTHCARE

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