Women entering the period of menopause, around age 50suffer a series of more or less well-known symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, hypertension, uncontrolled glucose levels… caused by estrogen drop. However, to these imbalances we must add one that, in most cases, is not so well known but which is tremendously annoying.
We are referring to the so-called ‘frozen shoulder’, an anomaly that affects the shoulder, causing pain, and that could even last for years. This time it is also the loss of estrogen that is responsible for this adhesive capsulitis suffered by a large number of women in Spain when they start menopause.
‘Frozen shoulder’ and hormonal changes
This injury that affects women over the age of 50, capsulitis, is caused by a inflammation in the connective tissue (hence its name, because a capsule forms) around the joint that surrounds the shoulder. When inflamed, this condition causes a significant deficiency in arm mobility, which will impact quality of life by preventing you from performing the most basic daily tasks.
Experts relate, in a certain way, the hormonal changes that occur during menopause due to the sudden decrease in estrogen, with this sudden and painful inflammation.
This happens because estrogens have a lot to do with the balance of connective tissue and the proper functioning of joints. By decreasing its quantity, the opposite effect is caused by increasing musculoskeletal problems like ‘frozen shoulder’.
This is how ‘frozen shoulder’ syndrome manifests itself
Capsulitis is an inflammation that usually appears in several phases. The first of them is abrupt, acute, and usually appears during night rest. In another phase, the blockage occurs, when the woman who suffers from it not able to move shoulder and, finally, when mobility finally begins to slowly return. It’s kind of like a roller coaster.
Women who experience this quite common ailment should consult with their doctor who, in almost all cases, will prescribe the physiotherapy treatmentwhere the professional will carry out specific stretches and other movements focused on strengthening the area and recovering movement.
What can we do if we feel this syndrome?
In some cases, in addition to physical therapy, it may be indicated to carry out a hormone replacement therapy by an expert. In addition to professional help to speed up recovery (which can sometimes take up to three years), we at home can contribute to the treatment.
Heat on the affected area can help blood circulation is more fluidto reduce inflammation. We can use a heating pad or a hot water bottle. If we also try to carry out a anti-inflammatory dietwithout rapidly absorbed refined sugars and with slow carbohydrates, recovery will be better.
And once we are more or less recovered, we should not relax and stop doing the exercises that have been prescribed for us because the situation could occur again in a few days. As a preventive measure, as soon as we begin to notice stiffness or pain in the shoulder joints, It is better to take action as soon as possible.
References
HM Tlatoa RamÃrez, FJ Morales Acuña, HL Ocaña ServÃn. ‘Update in Sports Traumatology: frozen shoulder’. Center for Physical Activity and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico Toluca. https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-revista-medicina-e-investigacion-353-articulo-actualizacion-traumatologia-deportiva-hombro-gelado-S2214310615300108