How to Treat Frozen Shoulder?

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition characterized by limited shoulder movement. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder joint capsule, becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. This thickening and inflammation cause the shoulder joint to become immobile, leading to decreased range of motion and significant discomfort. The term "frozen" shoulder originates from the tendency of individuals to avoid using the affected shoulder due to pain, resulting in further tightening and immobility of the joint.

Why is Frozen Shoulder a Concern?

Frozen shoulder can significantly impact an individual's quality of life by causing pain and restricting shoulder movement. Simple daily tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably may become difficult or impossible. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it often occurs following a period of shoulder immobility, injury, or as a complication of certain medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. Women and individuals over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

How to Treat Frozen Shoulder?

Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to alleviate pain, improve shoulder mobility, and restore function. It typically involves a combination of conservative therapies and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or administer corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint to provide relief.
2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating frozen shoulder by focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises to improve shoulder mobility and flexibility. A physical therapist will tailor a specific exercise program to your individual needs, gradually increasing intensity as your shoulder improves.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected shoulder can help reduce pain and inflammation. Alternating between heat and cold therapy may provide additional relief and promote healing.
4. Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage performed by a qualified therapist can help loosen tight muscles and improve joint mobility in the shoulder.
5. Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation, allowing for better tolerance of physical therapy exercises and improved shoulder mobility.
6. Hydrodilatation: In hydrodilatation, a mixture of saline solution and corticosteroid is injected into the shoulder joint to help stretch and expand the capsule, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
7. Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery, also known as shoulder manipulation under anesthesia or capsular release, involves breaking up scar tissue and adhesions in the shoulder joint to improve mobility.