Shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting your daily activities and overall quality of life. Two common but distinct shoulder conditions are frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of frozen shoulder vs rotator cuff can help you better manage these issues and seek appropriate medical care.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, medically termed adhesive capsulitis, is identified by stiffness and discomfort in the shoulder joint. The symptoms generally progress slowly and deteriorate gradually. At the outset, you might notice mild discomfort and restrictions in movement, which tend to intensify over time.
As the condition advances, the shoulder joint grows progressively stiffer, hindering the ability to carry out daily activities. The pain may lessen, but the stiffness in the shoulder joint can persist, limiting movement.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder happens when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens. This can be from long periods of immobility or movement restriction. Shoulder injury or surgery can also lead to this condition. Diabetes is a risk factor too.
It is more common in people aged 40 to 60. Women are more likely to get frozen shoulders than men. Other health conditions like stroke can also cause it.
Treatments of Frozen Shoulder
Effective treatments for frozen shoulder aim to reduce pain and restore movement. Physical therapy exercises are often recommended to increase mobility. Pain relief can also be achieved through medications or corticosteroid injections.
In some cases, surgery may be considered. Visiting an osteopathy clinic can provide specialized care and manual therapy techniques to help improve shoulder function and ease discomfort.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries often cause pain in the shoulder. The pain might be sharp or dull. You may feel it more when you move your arm or lift things. Sometimes, the pain can wake you up at night.
Your shoulder might feel weak, and you may find it hard to lift your arm over your head. Another sign is a cracking sound when you move your shoulder. If your shoulder hurts and you can’t move it well, you should see a doctor.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries happen when the muscles and tendons around your shoulder get hurt. This can be from doing the same movements too much, like painting or lifting heavy things. It also happens if you hurt your shoulder in a fall. Old age can cause the rotator cuff to wear down and tear easily.
People over 40 are more likely to have this problem. Sometimes, sleeping in the wrong position can make the problem worse. If you have weak shoulder muscles, you can get hurt more easily.
Also Check: Meal Planning for Diabetes
Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injury
Treating a rotator cuff injury focuses on making the pain go away and helping your shoulder move better. Rest is very important. Don’t do things that make the pain worse. Ice can help reduce the swelling. Put ice on your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Taking pain medicine can help you feel better. Some people might need a shot in their shoulder for the pain. Doing exercises helps strengthen the shoulder muscles. A therapist can show you how to do these exercises.
Learn All About Frozen Shoulder vs Rotator Cuff
To wrap things up, both frozen shoulder vs rotator cuff injuries can be painful and make it hard to move your shoulder. If you feel pain or can’t move well, it’s important to see a doctor. Rest, ice, and special exercises can help you get better. Taking care of your shoulder is key to feeling good again.
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