Is it allowed to do sports despite pain?

Depending on the quality of the pain, it must be decided in each individual case whether sport can continue to be practiced. A slight pulling or a pain that only appears after a longer training is not yet a reason for abstinence from sports. On the other hand, training should be discouraged in case of sudden stabbing pain or pain that can only be tolerated with medical support. In any case, the cause of the pain should be clarified by a therapist or doctor in order to prevent possible damage to the affected structures.

Causes of the pain

Histologically, the disease impresses by fibrosis (adhesion) of the tissue surrounding the joint (periarticular) and by perivascular infiltrates. Inflammatory signs such as c-reactive protein (CRP) can be detected by blood analysis.

Lack of movement can be a cause of a frozen shoulder, since the shoulder joint stiffens relatively quickly in the event of immobility.
Metabolic disorders of the shoulder muscles and the joint capsule of the shoulder can also lead to stiffening of the shoulder.
If the transport of nutrients to the shoulder muscles is reduced due to a metabolic disorder, the body produces more lactic acid. This leads to local hyperacidity and inflammation in the shoulder area. As a result of this inflammation, adhesions develop in the shoulder joint and the joint capsule shrinks. This reduces the mobility of the shoulder even further.
An existing coronary artery disease (CHD), cervical spine diseases, hormonal diseases and other metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid dysfunction also have a predisposing effect on a frozen shoulder. The exact origin of the inflammatory changes has not yet been conclusively clarified.

Mobility training for the shoulder
Physiotherapy for hormonal, endocrine joint diseases

Restricted movement

In the second phase of the disease, a typical limitation of movement in the shoulder joint occurs. In a quarter of patients this can also be diagnosed on both sides. With elbows resting against the body and forearms stretched horizontally forward, the hands cannot be rotated outwards.

Furthermore, abduction in the shoulder joint is hardly possible up to 90 degrees. In order to differentiate from a subacromial impingement syndrome, the therapist carries out shoulder tests for differential diagnosis: In order to counteract a movement restriction, the help of a physiotherapist can be called upon. You can find more information on this in the article “Physiotherapy for a Frozen Shoulder”.

“open can”
“empty can”
“Test to Neer”
“lift off test”
“starter test”