Dr. Nicholas Cappello

I remember being told by my Orthopedic Chief that the meniscus was a Vestigial Organ and if removed would regenerate. This was 1978 and this was the opinion of the best surgeons around the world.I have learned to always question conventional statements.FACTS Shoulder problems are not what come to mind when most people think of diabetes.

But studies have found a link between both types of diabetes and this mysterious shoulder condition, which occurs in three stages: weeks of inexplicable shoulder pain, followed by months of ”frozen” stiffness and restricted motion, and then finally a ”thawing” stage in which motion gradually returns. The condition, also known as adhesive capsulitis, afflicts 2 percent to 5 percent of the general population, but at least 20 percent of all people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with the risk increasing with age.

No one knows precisely what causes it. But scientists think it may have something to do with excess glucose building up in the shoulder and essentially gluing collagen fibers together, restricting movement. Diabetics seem to develop more aggressive cases.

But doctors say there are measures to counter it. Controlling blood sugar is one important step. Using heating pads and taking anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen can ease the initial pain. And home stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and sometimes prevent the return of symptoms. Cortisone injections are another option, but some experts suspect they may increase glucose levels.

When nothing else works, doctors recommend an outpatient arthroscopic shoulder procedure, which removes scar tissue and frees ligaments. Studies show it has a high success rate.

THE BOTTOM LINE Diabetes significantly raises the risk of frozen

shoulder

We have a direct influence everyday on the final product of our health. In fact, our body and health are more of a work in progress and it’s never too late to aim for an upgrade.

Your exercise program needs to include three key components: cardio; strength; and flexibility. Cardiovascular or aerobic work is for the most important muscle in your body, your heart. Strength training is an essential part of the sculpting process. It goes way beyond what you might see on a bodybuilder with their obviously strong muscles and exterior. Strength training rebuilds body from the inside out improving the structure and durability of your bones, tendons, ligaments and so much more. Flexibility training or stretching gives you the elasticity you need for ease of movement.

Perhaps Jack La Lanne said it best: “Exercise is King. Nutrition is Queen. Put them together and you’ve got a Kingdom.”

So much of how your body functions, thrives or fails is under your direct control with your lifestyle choices. For example, 70% or more of premature deaths are lifestyle related and preventable. Exercise and nutrition are cornerstones but other factors like genetics, stress and luck also play some role.