Dealing with frozen shoulder can be an extremely challenging and painful experience. It can significantly limit your range of motion, and prevent you from carrying out your daily activities with ease. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. It is characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. While there several treatment options available to manage frozen shoulder, there are also certain things you should avoid doing. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring what these things are and why they can be harmful.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects:
One of the things you should avoid doing when dealing with frozen shoulder is lifting heavy objects. Lifting heavy weights can put stress on your shoulder joint, which can make the pain and stiffness worse. It is essential to minimize any pressure on your shoulder joint during the healing process. Therefore, avoid carrying anything that may cause you discomfort, and opt for lighter items instead.
Avoid Sleeping on the Affected Shoulder:
Sleeping on the affected shoulder can be detrimental when dealing with frozen shoulder. Doing so can increase inflammation and pain in the joint, delaying the healing process. Sleeping on your back or on the unaffected side can help prevent any additional stress on the shoulder joint and lessen the pain.
Avoid Repetitive Strain:
Repetitive strain occurs when you repeat the same motion or activity for long periods. It is essential to avoid repetitive movements that can cause irritation to your shoulder joint while your shoulder is stiff and weak. Repetitive strain can make your frozen shoulder worse, hindering your journey to recovery. You should seek out the assistance of a physiotherapist to guide you on the best exercises to do.
Avoid Massaging the Affected Area:
While self-massage is an excellent way to ease aches and pains, it is not advisable in the case of frozen shoulder. Massaging the tender area could cause further irritation and pain in the shoulder joint. You should allow your physiotherapist or chiropractor to perform hands-on therapy, which can efficiently manage the pain and promote healing in the joint.
Avoid Calcium Supplements:
Calcium supplements may seem like a good idea to promote bone health, but they can be harmful when dealing with frozen shoulder. Supplementing with calcium could interfere with your body’s ability to absorb other essential minerals such as magnesium. It can also cause a buildup of calcium deposits around the affected area, making the shoulder joint even stiffer and more painful. It is crucial to speak to your doctor before taking any calcium supplements, especially when dealing with frozen shoulder.
In conclusion, frozen shoulder can be incredibly debilitating, and it is essential to take the necessary precautions to manage the pain and prevent any further damage. The things listed above, such as lifting heavy objects, sleeping on the affected shoulder, repetitive strain, self-massaging, and taking calcium supplements, should be avoided when dealing with frozen shoulder. Remember, to seek out the help of a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who can create a personalized plan to promote healing in the affected shoulder joint. With the right treatment and care, you can find relief from frozen shoulder and improve your overall quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
