`Frozen shoulder' can thaw via therapy, shots or surgery

Q. The other day, I was diagnosed by a neurologist as having a"frozen shoulder." What causes it, and can it be cured? I've beensuffering from pain and stiffness in my left shoulder and arm forseveral months. I am 61.

A. Here's how lots of people get frozen shoulder. First, theyget a shoulder bursitis that makes the joint painful to use. Then,fearing pain, they end up immobilizing the shoulder. Then two thingshappen: The sleeve of tissue covering the joint shrinks and bands ofscar tissue form around it.

Now you cannot move the shoulder if you want to - frozenshoulder. I picked bursitis for my example, but the same thing canhappen from any injury that forces immobilization of a joint.

You can "thaw out" a frozen shoulder, but it may take time.Physical therapy is required and injections of cortisone may have to be given before you're through. If your shoulder doesn't respond,you can be put under general anesthetic. The doctor will physicallyfree the joint.

Q. What is a functional heart murmur?

A. Harmless background noise from a normally beating heart.

Q. I was told I have a peptic ulcer and should drink lots ofmilk. Then I read that it is bad for the ulcer. What is youropinion?

A. Gone are the days when sipping milk was the ulcer regimen.Milk was supposed to coat and soothe an ulcerated stomach lining. Inreality, they say now, it only stimulates the stomach cells toproduce more irritating acid. Live and learn.

Because of the excellent medicines available, you now can eatjust about anything. Avoid any food that causes pain or that yourdoctor has forbidden. Drink an occasional glass of milk if you'dlike: It won't hurt you much.