Shoulder capsulitis: an obstacle on the way to work?
Understanding shoulder capsulitis
There shoulder capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder syndrome, is a common condition that can greatly affect quality of life and productivity. It is important to understand what capsulitis is, what its symptoms are, its causes, and how it is treated.
Symptoms of shoulder capsulitis
One of the first signs of capsulitis is pain in the shoulder which may be mild at first, but which gradually intensifies. This pain is often felt even at rest and can be particularly intense at night. It is accompanied by a progressive loss of mobility of the shoulder, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as combing your hair, bathing or lifting objects.
Causes of shoulder capsulitis
Shoulder capsulitis occurs when the covering of the shoulder joint, the capsule, shrinks and thickens. The causes of capsulitis are still poorly understood. However, certain factors such as trauma, certain metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, are often involved in the development of this disease.
Treatments for shoulder capsulitis
The aim of treating shoulder capsulitis is to relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve shoulder flexibility and strength, and in some cases, surgery. A minimally invasive approach has been developed, allowing “unfreezing” of the shoulder by distension of the capsule under arthroscopic control.
Shoulder capsulitis and professional life
Due to pain and loss of mobility, shoulder capsulitis can have a significant impact on professional life. Certain tasks, especially those that require regular shoulder movement, can become extremely difficult or impossible. It is therefore crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as symptoms appear in order to implement adequate treatment and limit the impact of capsulitis on daily and professional life.
How does shoulder capsulitis affect your ability to work?
There shoulder capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder. This condition can seriously affect a person’s ability to work, impact their productivity and significantly reduce their quality of life.
To understand the impact on professional life, it is important to understand the nature of the shoulder capsulitis. This is a condition characterized by increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder to some degree. In general, shoulder capsulitis is progressive and develops in three phases: freezing phase, freezing phase and thawing phase. This process can last from several months to a few years.
Impact on professional activity
Due to the pain and stiffness associated with shoulder capsulitis, some work tasks may become difficult or impossible to accomplish. This difficulty is particularly felt in jobs that require constant movement of the arm or shoulder, such as manual workers, athletes or artists.
Even simple tasks, like typing on a keyboard or carrying light loads, can become strenuous. The level of pain may increase to the point of causing work stoppages or requests for professional reclassification.
Adaptation measures
Faced with shoulder capsulitis, a person may need to adapt their work habits. This may include adjusting the ergonomics of the workstation, using assistive tools, using physical therapies or pain medication.
It is essential to report any shoulder pain and functional limitations to your doctor or employer in order to get the necessary help and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
In summary, shoulder capsulitis can have a significant impact on work capacity. It is imperative to fully understand this condition, manage it effectively and feel supported in your professional environment to minimize its harmful effects.
Preventing and treating shoulder capsulitis
What is shoulder capsulitis?
First of all, let’s understand what shoulder capsulitis is. It is a musculoskeletal disorder that manifests itself as inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule, causing pain and reduced mobility. This disorder, also known as adhesive capsulitis Or frozen shoulder, can be caused by various factors, including genetics.
Prevention of shoulder capsulitis
Prevention of shoulder capsulitis can be done by different means. Starting with regular shoulder movements, strengthening and stretching can help maintain good joint mobility. In addition, if you experience shoulder pain for the first time, it is recommended to adapt your activity to avoid any movement that could make it worse.
For people whose profession involves excessive use of the shoulders, it is crucial to be vigilant and take preventative measures. These may include modifying the work environment to avoid repetitive shoulder movements, learning correct lifting techniques, and taking regular breaks to relax your upper body muscles.
Treatment of shoulder capsulitis
Treatment of shoulder capsulitis primarily aims to reduce pain and restore normal joint mobility. Non-surgical treatments may include:
1. Heat applications to relax muscles and relieve pain.
2. Medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Optionally, hydrogenation procedures (hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for the treatment of shoulder capsulitis) to reduce inflammation.
4. Physiotherapy exercises to improve mobility.
Here are three helpful exercises to treat shoulder capsulitis:
Exercise #1: Shoulder Forward – Stand facing a wall. Place the palm of the affected hand on the wall and slowly slide your hand upward as far as possible. Repeat this movement about 10 times.
Exercise #2: Shoulder Stretch – Using your healthy hand, gently pull the affected arm across your body. Hold the position for about 15 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Exercise #3: Shoulder Raises – Standing or seated, slowly raise both arms at once to shoulder height, then lower them. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. The expert will provide you with the necessary advice to relieve you and anticipate the worsening of your symptoms.
In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This operation, called arthroscopy, allows the surgeon to insert a small camera into the shoulder joint to directly view and treat inflammation in the joint capsule.
Shoulder capsulitis is a painful disorder affecting shoulder mobility. Its prevention and treatment are mainly based on physical activity, appropriate medication and health instructions provided by your healthcare professional. In all cases, it is essential to act at the first pain and to consult for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
