Expert: Rusty Ford - 4/15/2008

Question
I have frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Both shoulders. I exercise DAILY to keep the shoulders loose and flexible. And I understand what is happening, why the stifness and pain, etc.

But I cannot find on the internet as to WHY the pain, when I begin my exercises, is so INTENSE! I find myself standing there, arm hanging down limp, with tears in my eyes as I mentally "scream" over the pain. Nothing stops it; movement, massage, etc. Once the pain goes away, I resume my movements, and it quickly get's less and less...

But that first "jolt" of pain. Why is it so painful?

Thanks.

Answer
David,

I am sorry to hear that your condition is causing so much pain. It is not unusual for a frozen shoulder to be painful but your description sounds worse than most that hear.

In frozen shoulder, inflammation in the joint makes the normally loose parts of the joint capsule stick together. This seriously limits the shoulder's ability to move, and causes the shoulder to freeze. What is happening is the inflammation builds up and everything squeezes tight. When this happens the fluid that lubricates the joint is pushed away and there is no lubrication between the surfaces of the joint. Then when you make it move after it tightens up there is a sudden irritation of every nerve ending in the shoulder joint. The natural lubricants in the joint get spread around again so when the pain eases it becomes easier to move your shoulder.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/a-c/adhesive-capsulitis.htm