Capsulitis

Capsulitis presents in the patient as pain in the shoulder joint. Inflammation is usually due to retraction and stiffening of the capsule. The pain increases gradually over time and can limit the range of motion.

The condition is often likened to a feeling of a “frozen shoulder”; hence its name adhesive capsulitis. The cause is unfortunately not established to date. However, the pathology can be caused by a general illness or mistreatment of the shoulder. An advanced stage of capsulitis feeds a disturbing disability in the patient.

During the first pains, the inflammation becomes more and more visible. The synovial layer during this time takes on a reddish color. The pain sets in continuously and gradually. As the disease progresses, the capsule becomes enraged but whitish. The color is due mainly to a gradual loss of the biceps sheath. Thus, the movements of the shoulder are strongly limited. Despite the symptoms, capsulitis is not part of the list of serious diseases.

The main symptoms of the appearance of capsulitis

A person with capsulitis disease often has symptoms:

• Deep pain in the shoulder;
• A gradual increase in pain;
• A limited movement of the shoulder since at the slightest movement, the pain enlarges;
• Difficulty sleeping, because the back and the affected part remain impossible to lean on the bed.

Possible causes of capsulitis

Medicine has not yet got its hands on the main cause of capsulitis. However, certain parameters and medical delays of the patient can explain the joint pain. For example, tendonitis and fractures. Moreover, prolonged immobilization of the shoulder due to hospitalization, for example, reduces mobility abilities.

The different phases of evolution of adhesive capsulitis

The disease progresses as the right treatments are not yet available.

The intensity of the pain and its representation varies according to the phase of the disease:

• During the first 4 months: the patient will notice a constant pain in his shoulder, and even the neck. The first affliction is often caused during the night since the part of the capsule is supported. In this case, lack of sleep is inevitable. The movements of the affected shoulder are becoming increasingly difficult.
• For the next 3 to 12 months: the term “frozen shoulder” takes on its full meaning due to the retraction of the joint. As a result, the shoulder loses much of its mobility. Logically, stiffness alleviates the pain felt by the patient.
• After this time, the stiffness felt by the frozen shoulder gradually disappears. Total recovery is not immediate, but takes some time. But the joint capsule will recover quickly in case of special measures.

Natural palliative measures to take to soothe capsulitis disease

In case symptoms persist, the following practices can be of great help:

• The application of a warm towel on the affected part of the shoulder and neck.
• Morning movements and stretches to gradually decrease muscle stiffness.
• Regular massages to warm muscles and soothe joint pain.
• Taking harpagophytum: recommended by herbal medicine professionals.
• Consultation with a physiotherapist to receive reconstructive manual therapies. The sessions are a series of mobilizations depending on the state of the disease.
• Osteopathy sessions to regain correct shoulder mobility

Consult the Physio+ Hamel office!

Certainly, the condition can relieve itself, but a consultation by professionals is the best idea. It allows an effective and fast recovery depending on the stage of capsulitis in the patient.