Shoulder Stiffness- a Common Problem in India

Many middle aged people complain of shoulderPain accompanies stiffness in early stages and is
stiffness. They have tried some physiotherapyworse on sleeping on the affected side. Sleep is
without success and are disabled in their dailydisturbed and the patient may become depressed
activities. Some have accepted it and carry on.due to chronic pain.
The causes of shoulder stiffness can be one outTreatment- Physiotherapy under the supervision
of fourof an able person is the mainstay and primary
1) Adhesive capsulitis syn Frozen shouldertreatment. It can be carried out as part of a
2) Stiffness in diabeticshome exercise program. When there is no
3) Stiffness following some internal fixation ofsuccess, your shoulder surgeon may advise a
fracturemanipulation under anesthesia. After being put to
4) Osteoarthritis of the shoulder.sleep, your arm will be put through a range of
Stiffness in diabetics is the most commonlymovement. After the procedure, continuous
encountered one and is particularly difficult topassive motion will be started.
treat.An Arthroscope is a pencil like instrument which
Idiopathic shoulder stiffness is a rare condition. Itcarries a source of light and a camera into a joint
occurs without a known cause. Tears of theto visualize the interior. Other instruments like
rotator cuff may be seen in a small proportion ofshavers, punches, radio frequency, Laser can be
these people.introduced inside and tight structures can be
Stiffness after internal fixation occurs in thoserelease.
people who had sustained a fracture of the upperArthroscopic release of a stiff shoulder is
humerus and undergone internal fixation.particularly rewarding and can be accomplished
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a rare condition.through tiny key-hole incisions. Only the tight
Symptoms-The affected arm cannot reachstructures are divided with an instrument under
behind the back commonly. Lifting the armdirect visualization of the arthroscope. The
forward (elevation) and turning it out (externalamount of pain is less after this surgery.
rotation) may be hampered to a variable degree.