Frozen Shoulder

How to Treat Frozen Shoulder: A Complete Guide

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed and stiff, restricting movement. This condition often develops gradually and can last for months to years, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.

While a frozen shoulder can be painful and frustrating, understanding the treatment options available can help alleviate symptoms and restore shoulder mobility. Know the causes and symptoms from Our Orthopedic Expert Doctor Umesh Jadhav. This guide will walk you through the causes, symptoms, and the most effective ways to treat frozen shoulder.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but certain risk factors make individuals more susceptible to the condition:

  • Inactivity or Immobilization: A shoulder injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility (e.g., wearing a sling) can lead to frozen shoulder due to lack of movement.
  • Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, and it is more prevalent in women.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: People with diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and Parkinson’s disease are at a higher risk.
  • Previous Shoulder Injury: A history of shoulder injury or surgery can increase the chances of developing frozen shoulder.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:

  1. Freezing Stage: In this initial phase, the shoulder becomes increasingly painful, and the range of motion starts to decrease. This phase can last 6 weeks to 9 months.
  2. Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but the shoulder remains stiff. Moving the shoulder becomes difficult, and this phase can last 4 to 12 months.
  3. Thawing Stage: Shoulder mobility begins to improve as the stiffness subsides. Full recovery may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Effective Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulders can often improve with conservative treatments, but the recovery process can take time. Here are the most common and effective treatment options:

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most important treatments for a frozen shoulder. A physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to stretch the shoulder joint and gradually improve mobility.

  • Stretching Exercises: These exercises help loosen the stiff shoulder capsule. Stretching the shoulder daily is key to restoring range of motion.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Once the pain has subsided, strengthening exercises are introduced to build muscle around the shoulder joint and prevent further injury.

Regular physical therapy can make a significant difference in recovery, so consistency is essential.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage the pain associated with a frozen shoulder. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications to reduce discomfort and inflammation.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: If pain is severe, a corticosteroid injection directly into the shoulder joint may provide relief. While not a cure, this can reduce inflammation and allow for more effective participation in physical therapy.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can help relieve pain and inflammation.

  • Heat Therapy: Using a heating pad or warm towel on the shoulder can relax tight muscles and promote blood flow, easing stiffness.
  • Cold Therapy: Applying an ice pack can reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. It’s best to alternate between heat and cold therapy depending on your symptoms.

4. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques performed by a physical therapist or chiropractor can help mobilize the shoulder joint. These hands-on techniques focus on breaking up scar tissue and reducing stiffness.

5. Home Exercises

In addition to professional physical therapy, daily home exercises are crucial in speeding up recovery. Here are a few simple stretches you can do at home to improve shoulder mobility:

  • Pendulum Stretch: Stand and bend slightly forward at the waist, letting the affected arm hang down. Gently swing the arm in a small circle. Increase the size of the circle as mobility improves.
  • Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back with one hand, and grab the other end with the other hand. Use the good arm to gently pull the affected arm upward, stretching the shoulder.
  • Cross-Body Stretch: Use your good arm to gently pull the affected arm across your body at shoulder height, stretching the back of your shoulder.

Consistency with home exercises is key to recovery.

6. Minimally Invasive Procedures

If conservative treatments don’t bring relief, more advanced interventions may be necessary:

  • Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting a large amount of sterile fluid into the shoulder joint to expand the capsule and reduce stiffness.
  • Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): In this procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and the shoulder is manually moved through its full range of motion. This helps break up the adhesions causing stiffness.
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: In severe cases, doctors may perform minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions from the shoulder joint. This is typically reserved for patients who don’t respond to other treatments.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Keep Your Shoulder Moving: After an injury or surgery, it’s important to start gentle shoulder movements as soon as possible to prevent stiffness.
  • Stay Active: Regular exercise and stretching can help maintain shoulder flexibility and reduce the risk of a frozen shoulder.
  • Manage Underlying Health Conditions: If you have diabetes or another condition that increases your risk of a frozen shoulder, keeping your condition under control through medication and lifestyle changes is crucial.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience persistent shoulder pain or stiffness that limits your ability to move your arm, it’s important to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a frozen shoulder from worsening and improve your chances of a full recovery.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a long and challenging condition, but with the right treatment plan, recovery is possible. Physical therapy, home exercises, medications, and other treatments can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain. If you’re struggling with a frozen shoulder, consulting an experienced healthcare provider is essential to developing a personalized treatment plan.

For expert care, Dr. Umesh Jadhav is a renowned orthopedic specialist who provides comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder. With a focus on restoring function and improving quality of life, Dr. Jadhav tailors his approach to each patient’s needs, ensuring a thorough recovery. His expertise, combined with a patient-centered approach, helps individuals regain mobility and return to their daily activities with confidence.

Recovery takes time, but with patience, the right medical guidance, and commitment to your treatment plan, you can overcome a frozen shoulder and get back to your normal routine.

Note: Also read “How to Manage Shoulder Pain”

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