$Unique_ID{BRK01645}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Does a "Frozen Shoulder" Mean?}
$Subject{shoulder frozen Musculoskeletal System Connective Tissue Tissues
shoulders joint stiffen freeze arthritis tendinitis osteoporosis bones bone
stiff shoulder stiffens freezes stiffening}
$Volume{M-17}
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Contributing Factors to Osteoporosis*0005701.scf
Bones and Muscles of the Shoulder*0015001.scf
Bones and Ligaments of the Shoulder*0015002.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does a "Frozen Shoulder" Mean?


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QUESTION:  As I was moving my shoulder about before starting a golf game with
a friend, he noted that I might have a "frozen shoulder".  What does this mean
and where does it come from?

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ANSWER:  You've heard the phrase "use it or lose it"?  That is what a frozen
shoulder is all about.  Any joint can stiffen or freeze up if it is not used
for long periods of time.  A frozen shoulder sometimes occurs after a
persistent shoulder problem, either arthritis, tendinitis, or trauma to the
joint.  It has also been known to occur after a heart attack when the patient
has been bedridden for a time.  Essentially, any long period of immobility of
the shoulder joint can lead to calcification in the soft tissues, a narrowing
of the joint space, and/or osteoporosis of the bones.  In some cases, the
patient will slowly get back the function of the stiffened shoulder without
treatment as the stiffness diminishes with time.  In other cases,
corticosteroid drugs will reduce the inflammation so that an exercise program
can be started.  To prevent a frozen shoulder, most physicians will prescribe
exercises as part of the treatment for shoulder pain.  Your golf game is an
excellent "cure" for you.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.