For 52-year-old Sushma Kelkar, joint pain had become a part of daily life. Over the years, she had grown used to the discomfort until one day, she realised she could no longer move her right arm behind her back. Simple tasks like fastening her blouse or reaching for something suddenly became impossible. Upon consulting a doctor, she discovered that arthritis was the primary cause of her restricted shoulder movement.
But while arthritis is a common cause behind such mobility issues, it's not the only possible reason. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr J V Srinivas, Lead Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, lists other common causes and when to seek medical assistance.
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Possible Causes Of Limited Shoulder Mobility
Limited shoulder mobility is when there is a reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move arms and hands freely.
According to Dr Srinivas, several conditions can cause limited shoulder mobility, including rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), arthritis, and shoulder impingement. Other factors like injuries, bursitis, and tendinitis.
What Is Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury occurs when there is damage or tears in the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. This injury can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
According to StatPearls Publishing, rotator cuff injury is the most common tendon injury seen and treated in adults. Research suggests that approximately 30% of adults over 60 have a tear, and 62% of adults over 80 have tears.
Dr Srinivas says, “Being unable to move your hand behind your back is not always indicative of a rotator cuff injury. While it can be a symptom of a rotator cuff problem, other conditions like stiffness, arthritis, or muscle imbalances can also cause difficulty with this movement.”
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Warning Signs Of Frozen Shoulder
Apart from rotator cuff injury, a frozen shoulder can also restrict mobility in the shoulder joint. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition where the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint tightens, causing pain and stiffness.
As per StatPearls Publishing, frozen shoulder affects approximately 2-5% of the general population, with women more prone to the condition than men.
Early signs of frozen shoulder include:
- Dull or aching pain in the shoulder, especially when moving
- A gradual loss of range of motion
- Pain that can be worse at night and interfere with sleep
“As the condition progresses, the shoulder may become stiff, making it difficult to perform daily activities like reaching overhead or tucking in a shirt,” Dr Srinivas adds.
When Should You Seek Medical Assistance?
According to the doctor, physical therapy is very important for shoulder stiffness and pain, often being the first line of treatment before considering surgery. It can help improve mobility, strength, and function, allowing you to return to daily activities with ease.
It is important to seek medical help if pain persists for more than a few weeks despite rest and home treatments, if you experience severe pain, swelling, or limited mobility, or if you have any signs of a serious injury like a fracture or dislocation.
Dr Srinivas concludes that it is also important to seek immediate medical attention if you have sudden, severe shoulder pain, especially if it's associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness.