Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Many people with frozen shoulder experience pain when they try to move their shoulder and difficulty sleeping due to the pain. While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, stress may be a contributing factor.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff due to the development of adhesive tissue in the shoulder capsule. This tissue, or scar tissue, causes the shoulder to become stiff, limiting range of motion and causing pain. Symptoms of frozen shoulder usually start gradually and worsen over time.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unclear, however there are certain factors that may increase the risk of developing the condition. These include age, gender (women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men), previous shoulder injury, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes. While stress is not believed to be a direct cause of frozen shoulder, it is thought to be a potential risk factor.
How Does Stress Affect Frozen Shoulder?
Stress can affect the body in many ways, and it has been suggested that it can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder. Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, resulting in a decrease in range of motion and an increase in pain. Additionally, stress can lead to poor sleep, which can also aggravate the symptoms of frozen shoulder.
How Can Stress-Related Frozen Shoulder Be Treated?
There are several treatment options for frozen shoulder, including physical therapy, medications, and surgery. However, if stress is suspected to be a contributing factor to the condition, managing stress levels is an important part of treatment.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress levels. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of sleep can help to improve symptoms of frozen shoulder.
Conclusion
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, stress may be a contributing factor. Managing stress is an important part of treatment for stress-related frozen shoulder, and can be achieved through relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes. If you believe stress is contributing to your frozen shoulder, it is important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.