Could a Car Crash Cause Frozen Shoulders? Learn Signs & Cure

Car accidents in OKC and beyond frequently cause injuries that are immediately noticeable, like cuts or broken bones. However, some effects are less apparent and only develop over time, such as a frozen shoulder. Recognizing the potential for such injuries is vital for acknowledging the care provided to the patients. Effective auto accident injury care in OKC can prevent long-term discomfort and mobility issues with expert help. Read on to get in-depth insights into the injury and its care.

Defining Frozen Shoulder

Car accidents can result in various injuries, from minor scrapes to significant harm like fractures or brain trauma. Among these, a lesser-known but serious injury is a frozen shoulder, which demands immediate attention and auto accident injury care.

A frozen shoulder develops when the shoulder's connective tissues thicken and tighten, causing pain and restricting movement. Frozen shoulders can arise from multiple causes, like thyroid issues or diabetes, but injuries are among the most frequent reasons. Car accidents often lead to such injuries, as the force of a collision can damage the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. This causes inflammation and stiffness that may develop into a frozen shoulder over time.

The Mechanism Behind Frozen Shoulder After an Accident

How exactly a car accident leads to a frozen shoulder remains partly unknown. Theories include direct damage to the shoulder tissues, resulting in scarring and inflammation. The indirect effects from associated whiplash lead to discomfort in the upper back muscles or neck. This stresses the need for comprehensive car accident injury care.

Recognizing Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The primary signs of a frozen shoulder are stiffness and pain in the arm, worsening over time. Difficulty moving your arm or reaching behind without pain, along with potential weakness or numbness from nerve compression, are signs of a frozen shoulder. Immediate attention is required in auto accident injury care to prevent the loss of mobility in the arm, as untreated symptoms can worsen and lead to long-term disability.

Progression Through Three Stages

Frozen shoulder typically unfolds in three phases. In the freezing stage, movement causes pain, and the shoulder's range becomes limited, lasting 2-9 months. The frozen stage sees reduced pain but increased stiffness, making the shoulder harder to use, lasting 4-12 months. Finally, in the thawing stage, the shoulder regains mobility, a process that can take 5-24 months. Each stage represents a different phase of pain and mobility loss, underscoring the importance of timely treatment.

Approaches of Auto Injury Care for Frozen Shoulder

Managing a frozen shoulder involves various strategies to restore mobility and reduce pain. Early intervention and sustained care in an injury and accident clinic are crucial to prevent lasting impairments and regain full function.

Benefits of Chiropractic Interventions

Chiropractic methods, including joint manipulation and soft tissue techniques, play a key role in treating frozen shoulders. These approaches develop movement and decrease inflammation as integral aspects of comprehensive auto accident injury care. Chiropractors often suggest exercises and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and help prevent future injuries.

Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy, a non-invasive treatment option, is vital for improving movement and easing pain in frozen shoulder cases. Therapists employ exercises, manual activities, and modalities such as heat or cold to expedite recovery. This makes it a cornerstone of effective auto accident injury care. Strengthening exercises are crucial as they improve muscle strength around the shoulder joint, reducing stress on it. Manual therapy, including soft tissue and joint mobilization, helps stretch and loosen the tight tissues in the affected area, aiding in recovery and pain relief. These techniques are integral for improving shoulder function and preventing further injury.

Seek Expert Care at The Broadway Clinic Accident Care

If you're suffering from a shoulder injury after a car accident, reach out to us at The Broadway Clinic Accident Care. Our team specializes in auto accident injury care in OKC, ensuring you receive the best treatment to regain your shoulder's mobility and strength. With top-quality chiropractic care and physical therapy, we help you recover soon. Don't let pain hold you back; contact us today!

**Disclaimer: This content is neither a medical advice nor it imply a doctor-patient relationship.