Periarthritis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the shoulder and surrounding soft tissues. This condition is frequently caused by injury, leading to pain and lack of use. As the joint becomes progressively tighter and stiffer, simple movements, such as raising the arm, become difficult. Observed most often in middle and old age, periarthritis usually affects the shoulder joint and is manifested by pain in the shoulder and limitation of motion owing to the pain. In some instances, the patient may be unable to move the shoulder at all. Periarthritis is also referred to as "Frozen Shoulder" or "Adhesive Capsulitis".

Causes of Periarthritis
Periarthritis usually strikes after 40 years of age, but can occur earlier, and in nearly half of the cases, after some months or years the other shoulder begins to suffer the same problem. With the passing of time, if not treated, it can lead to extreme rigidity of the arm and to an immobile shoulder. Shoulder lesions such as cervical spondylosis can cause shoulder pain, muscle spasms form of chronic inflammation of the shoulder. In addition, psychological factors, shoulder catch cold can lead to a Frozen Shoulder.

Symptoms of Periarthritis

•At times it can occur after an emotional trauma or convalescence from a long illness.
•Usually the arm becomes stiff and useless because of the pain.
•The pain, often worst at night especially as one roll onto the affected arm, and can cause further stress due to lack of sleep.
•Frozen shoulder patients complained of limited range of motion. Female patients often complain that they cannot hook their dress, and men say that they cannot reach their wallet in their back pocket.
•Some patients may describe a slight sound can be heard.

Treatment of Periarthritis
An Arthrogram or X-ray diagnosis plays an essential role in detecting the disease. Treatment can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. However, it may take up to a year to see improvement.

Immediately after minor trauma, the application of ice on the soft tissues of the shoulder is advised. Treatment includes temporary immobilization of the joint by application of a restricting bandage, thermotherapy, physiotherapy, rest, hot or cold therapy, deep ultrasound therapy can improve the acute symptoms. Special posture and range of motion, as long as periarthritis patients can tolerate may also be used.

For long-term non-surgical treatment fails surgery may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery and shoulder manipulation under anesthesia may be necessary in more severe cases.

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