Evastar
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A disorder of the shoulder joint caused by tightening of the joint capsule (synovial membrane)
Causes
The condition usually occurs secondary to a rotator cuff injury, coupled with fibrosis of the joint capsule. Prolonged immobilisation of the shoulder joint can also cause the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Slow restriction of movement of the arm to the point of affecting daily activities (ADL) such as combing the hair.
The patient finds it difficult to move the arm especially into abuction, flexion, medial and lateral rotation. Movements such as bringing the arm behind the back will cause difficulty and pain.
Pain may radiate to elbow.
Muscle guarding/spasm of the shoulder muscles.
The shoulder may be more painful at night and the patient will be unable to sleep on the affected side.
More common in women over the age of 50 years.
Treatment
In the early stages of frozen shoulder, ice or superficial heat will reduce the pain and muscle guarding.
The aim of treatment is to maintain the range of movement (ROM) tht the person has and to slowly increase the ROM.
Use capsular stretching by hanging the client's arm over the side of the table (when prone).
Focus the treatment on pectoralis major, all the rotator cuff muscles, biceps, triceps and deltoid.
Passive movements of the shoulder in the pain free range.
Traction to the shoulder joint is very beneficial.
Improvement occurs very slowly and is frustrating for both the client and the therapist.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Finger wall walking on the wall as high as possible to encourage abduction, to be performed every hour if possible.
Pendulum swing - client leans forward at waist level while holding onto a support. Allow the affected arm to hang loose. The arm is moved in circles. This exercise can be progressed to holding a weight.
Causes
The condition usually occurs secondary to a rotator cuff injury, coupled with fibrosis of the joint capsule. Prolonged immobilisation of the shoulder joint can also cause the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Slow restriction of movement of the arm to the point of affecting daily activities (ADL) such as combing the hair.
The patient finds it difficult to move the arm especially into abuction, flexion, medial and lateral rotation. Movements such as bringing the arm behind the back will cause difficulty and pain.
Pain may radiate to elbow.
Muscle guarding/spasm of the shoulder muscles.
The shoulder may be more painful at night and the patient will be unable to sleep on the affected side.
More common in women over the age of 50 years.
Treatment
In the early stages of frozen shoulder, ice or superficial heat will reduce the pain and muscle guarding.
The aim of treatment is to maintain the range of movement (ROM) tht the person has and to slowly increase the ROM.
Use capsular stretching by hanging the client's arm over the side of the table (when prone).
Focus the treatment on pectoralis major, all the rotator cuff muscles, biceps, triceps and deltoid.
Passive movements of the shoulder in the pain free range.
Traction to the shoulder joint is very beneficial.
Improvement occurs very slowly and is frustrating for both the client and the therapist.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Finger wall walking on the wall as high as possible to encourage abduction, to be performed every hour if possible.
Pendulum swing - client leans forward at waist level while holding onto a support. Allow the affected arm to hang loose. The arm is moved in circles. This exercise can be progressed to holding a weight.
