Freeze the problem right away

If you think winter is responsible for your stiff neck and restricted movement of the shoulder, here's an insight. Working constantly on the computer can also leave you with a frozen shoulder.

You may hold winters responsible for a sudden shift in your liking for a particular food item, but don’t blame your stiff neck and restricted movement of the shoulder on the weather.

“A frozen shoulder, in which the movement of the shoulder becomes severely restricted, is a fairly common orthopedic problem. The condition can occur if you ignore a small ligament rupture while playing a sport, gyming or even doing a household chore,” says orthopedician, IPS Oberoi, Artemis Health Institute.

An insight
People who have sedentary jobs, and work for hours on the computer can also suffer from frozen shoulder, but the good news is, it (frozen shoulder) is a temporary inflammation of the tissues and can be cured with medicines over a period of time. “In summers, one can apply ice-packs, while in winters hot water bottle can be placed on the affected area. One should not ignore the problem and immediately consult a doctor. Stiffness, if ignored can aggravate and one then the cure is steroid injections on the shoulder joint,” says internal medicine Dr Ashutosh Shukla.

“I work on the computer and initially I used to experience slight pain in my shoulder. I didn’t take it seriously then, but of late it has become really severe and I now I realise I have a frozen shoulder,” says Kirat, a content developer.

Doctors caution if not treated on time the condition can become severe. “If physiotherapy doesn’t work then arthoscopy is recommended. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which two holes are made (one in the front and another at the back of the shoulder) and a laser beam is passed,” adds Dr Oberoi.

Exercises for a frozen shoulder
Weighed-pendulum exercise: Hang one hand in the air, while keep the other on the table. Allow your arm to swing forward to back, then side-to-side, then in small circles in each direction (no greater than 1 foot in any direction). Only minimal pain should be felt. Repeat with both hands.

Armpit stretch: Use your good arm to lift the affected arm onto a shelf about breast high. Gently bend at the knees, opening up the armpit. Try to push the arm up a little farther with each stretch.