Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by a painful, stiff shoulder. As the condition progresses, the shoulder becomes almost impossible to move without intense pain. Frozen shoulder currently affects two per cent of the population. The condition is more likely to occur in women than in men, normally between the ages of 40 and 60.
Frozen shoulder has three different stages. The entire cycle can last for months at a time. The first stage is painful, making shoulder movement difficult. In the second stage, pain may subside, and the shoulder will stiffen or become “frozen.” In the third stage, called “thawing,” range of motion may improve temporarily until the pain cycle starts once again.
Can you imagine trying to carry on day-to-day tasks without the ability to freely move your shoulder? You may not realize how much you rely on your upper body until it is too late. Chronic pain and inflammation in the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder can be devastating. If your job is physical in nature, you may have to take temporary leave or even permanent disability from work, in more severe cases.
WHAT CAUSES FROZEN SHOULDER?
Similar to countless other medical conditions, physicians have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of frozen shoulder. Research has not connected frozen shoulder to dominant arm use or even occupation.
However, frozen shoulder may be linked to potential risk factors for many patients:
- Diabetes. Frozen shoulder is likely to occur in 10 to 20 per cent of diabetic patients, though the cause remains unknown.
- Injury. Frozen shoulder may occur after a shoulder remains immobile for a period of time – after injury, fracture, or surgery.
- Other Illness. Frozen shoulder is associated with a number of health issues, like heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.
- Perimenopause. As frozen shoulder is more common in women than men, statistics link the condition with hormonal changes that occur in early menopause.
Regardless of the exact cause, frozen shoulder is a physical condition triggered by severe inflammation. Bones, ligaments, and tendons found in the shoulder joint are encapsulated in connective tissue. When this connective tissue gets inflamed and constricts around the shoulder joint, free movement is no longer possible.
For a mild case of frozen shoulder, a doctor may prescribe stretching exercises with the possibility of rehabilitation. Yet as the condition progresses and becomes more painful, medical intervention may be necessary. Corticosteroids and numbing medications may be used at the site of the joint to offer pain relief. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to loosen the frozen joint and offer free range of motion.
CALM INFLAMMATION, NATURALLY
Before surgery is ever on the table, it’s critical to calm internal inflammation so the body can repair itself. Prescribed medications and steroid treatments for frozen shoulder will only offer temporary relief, if any at all. Surgery can be used to correct the condition in severe cases, though the problem is likely to return if underlying inflammation continues to damage the body.
Inflammation is at the root of a number of painful health conditions. Inflammation can trigger a chronic condition like frozen shoulder, as well as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, cystitis, fibrocystic breast disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. A continuous inflammatory response in the body – brought on by an unnatural, inflammatory diet – can burden bodily systems, organs, and even joints.
Serrapeptase is one enzyme designed to naturally fight the damaging effects of inflammation. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme originally found in the intestine of the silkworm. This enzyme is now commercially produced in a laboratory for safe, effective supplement use, derived from the microorganism Serratia E15.
When Serrapeptase is taken in supplement form, it makes its way through the body, destroying and digesting dead, damaged tissue. This enzyme will do what it does best – defend against widespread inflammation and reduce chronic pain symptoms associated with a number of disorders. Once inflammation has cleared, natural self-healing in the body can begin.
One chronic pain sufferer describes their Serrapeptase use for frozen shoulder: “Last night was the first pain-free continuous sleep I have had in 4 weeks. I will continue with the Serrapeptase therapy (3X3 per day) for now.”
REGAIN MOBILITY THROUGH ELECTRO-ACUPRESSURE
Full physical rehabilitation can be achieved through electro-acupressure, in many cases. Most people are familiar with acupressure that originates from Traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is a preferred alternative medical treatment that applies pressure to trigger points throughout the body. Electro- acupressure is a highly specialized, non-invasive form of acupressure. Mini electrical pulses are used to stimulate each acupressure trigger point for a short period of time. Electro-acupressure is user- friendly and safe for use without medical guidance.
Electro-acupressure points for a myriad of physical health conditions have been detected with advanced photographic technology; points can be seen as “electrical pores” on the skin. Electro- acupressure treatment creates a physical sensation when 100 per cent accuracy has been achieved to target the pain point in question.
With the help of the anti-inflammatory enzyme Serrapeptase to pave the way, electro-acupressure can offer a non- invasive rehabilitation option for frozen shoulder, compared to expensive surgery with months of downtime. Physiotherapists have used electro-acupuncture for years when working with patients. A senior physiotherapist from a Lancashire hospital group reports: “We are using [electro- acupressure] on patients who have sprains and strains, frozen shoulders, neck and back problems and chronic ankle injuries… nine out of ten times it has worked.”