Recovery From Frozen Shoulder
The proper name of frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis, and it is an injury caused by an overuse of the shoulder joint.
The proper name of frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis, and it is an injury caused by an overuse of the shoulder joint. Aside from being painful, frozen shoulder also reduces the range of motion and affects the quality of life. The good news is that physical therapy can improve range of motion of the joint. Often confused with arthritis, frozen shoulder is also difficult to treat. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for the condition.
Symptoms
Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms of frozen shoulder through non-surgical treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. Physical therapy and corticosteroid injections are sometimes recommended. These treatments have been shown to improve range of motion. Some people may be prescribed surgery. However, most people who have frozen shoulder recover from their symptoms on their own. This article will discuss the various treatments available.
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, many common factors contribute to its development. Prolonged immobilization after an injury can contribute to the condition. In addition to rest, a patient should try to raise both arms overhead. If the arm stops above parallel to the floor, the shoulder blade rises toward the ear, and there is pain in the joint, then the shoulder is frozen. If the arm stays immobile or does not move at all, it may be an indication of frozen shoulder.
The pain and stiffness will begin to subside during the thawing phase of frozen shoulder. Eventually, the pain will go away, but the shoulder will still feel stiff. In addition, it may take up to three years to recover fully. Depending on your symptoms and your overall health, you may experience intermittent or permanent stiffness. If your symptoms persist, visit your doctor for a diagnosis. In the meantime, you should consult a physiotherapist.
Physical therapy can help you regain shoulder movement. Treatment may involve manual manipulation, exercise, or re-alignment of the shoulder. Physical therapy may also include stretches and exercises to help break up scar tissue and ease pain. Physical therapy may also involve counseling and learning about stress management. You may also opt for a surgery if your symptoms do not respond to treatment. While there are some treatments available for frozen shoulder, there are no guarantees.
Treatment for frozen shoulder is effective for 90 percent of people with the condition. Several months after the onset of symptoms, some people can resume most of their earlier activities. Symptoms of frozen shoulder may last up to three years. Once you've completed treatment, your pain may go away. In some cases, however, the shoulder may continue to be stiff even after treatment. This can be quite debilitating. While frozen shoulder treatment can help you alleviate the pain, it is still important to see a doctor if the symptoms are severe.
Causes
Various treatments are available for frozen shoulder, including self-help exercises and over-the-counter pain relievers. Arthroscopic surgery is another option, which involves a small incision in the shoulder and the use of a camera called an "arthroscope." The aim of this treatment is to restore the joint to normal mobility. Surgery is often the last option for frozen shoulder, but it may be necessary if other conditions make it likely to recur.
A doctor may diagnose frozen shoulder by taking a medical history and asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. A physical examination will determine whether you're experiencing pain while moving your shoulder and may even be able to touch the shoulder opposite to yours. Blood tests and imaging tests may also be ordered to rule out other physical problems or diseases that may be contributing to the pain. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment will be tailored to suit the patient's individual needs.
People over 40 years of age are at increased risk for frozen shoulder. In addition to age, people with a thyroid problem are three to five times more likely to develop the condition. A recent injury to the shoulder, such as a fracture or a rotator cuff tear, may also lead to frozen shoulder. Other illnesses and medical conditions can lead to limited movement, including stroke, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.
The symptoms of frozen shoulder may be accompanied by pain and stiffness. The frozen stage can make daily activities difficult, such as lifting or bending the arm. However, as the shoulder thaws, normal motion and strength gradually return. During this process, a patient will usually experience a gradual improvement in their shoulder range of motion, which may take anywhere from six months to two years. However, some individuals may require minor surgery to treat their frozen shoulder.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade. The shoulder capsule surrounds this joint and lubricates it. In people with frozen shoulder, however, this capsule becomes thicker and stiffer and thick bands of tissue are formed, causing a restricted range of motion and increasing pain. The range of motion in the shoulder decreases and the range of motion is limited.
Treatments
A few common treatments include physical therapy, manipulation under anesthesia, and surgery. These procedures are all designed to restore range of motion in the shoulder and relieve pain. Physical therapy is the ideal treatment for frozen shoulder, but some patients find that other options are more effective. Listed below are some of the most common treatment options for frozen shoulder. You should consult a doctor about your specific case, as there are several types of frozen shoulder treatments.
Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder. This physical therapy includes gentle stretching exercises that should not exceed the patient's pain threshold. In addition, strengthening exercises can be added to the patient's routine in the frozen stage to preserve muscle strength and range of motion. Once the patient reaches the thawing stage, he or she can gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercises. During the thawing phase, the patient gradually returns to range of motion and pain.
Hydrodilatation is a popular treatment for frozen shoulder that uses an injection of a large volume of saline into the shoulder. It is intended to loosen adhesions and improve range of motion. According to a study published in January 2021, hydrodilatation was superior to corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy for frozen shoulder, regardless of timeframe. A subgroup analysis of treatments for frozen shoulder using electrotherapy modalities and stretching or exercises was not possible.
In some cases, patients with frozen shoulder may experience a stroke. After the stroke, some patients may be unable to move their arms at all. Following heart surgery, patients should take it easy for a few weeks and then gradually build up to normal activity. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process. However, there are no surefire treatments for frozen shoulder. The patient must first be examined by a physician to confirm the diagnosis.
Adhesive capsulitis embolization is another effective treatment for frozen shoulder syndrome. This procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a medical specialist in treating vascular issues with minimally invasive methods. By blocking abnormal vascular channels or individual blood vessels, adhesive capsulitis can be reduced, relieving pain, inflammation, and stiffness. During the procedure, the interventional radiologist uses a needle to puncture the arm, positioning the catheter in the blood vessels supplying the frozen shoulder joint.
Recovery
A variety of exercises and therapies can be used to assist in recovery from frozen shoulder. In addition to physical therapy, you may consider an arthroscopic procedure that releases the stiffened joint capsule and removes adhesions. Once this procedure is completed, you may require intense PT to maintain the range of motion that was restored during surgery. However, these methods are rarely necessary and are generally not recommended for people with chronic frozen shoulder. Recovery from frozen shoulder can be difficult, so you should seek medical advice and guidance.
Following surgery, patients will be put in a sling to provide comfort. Physical therapy will also begin immediately, and will include aggressive range of motion exercises to help prevent scar tissue from reforming. Within three months, a patient can start to return to sport. Fortunately, long-term outcomes from this procedure are usually favorable. However, motion may not return fully and the stiffness may continue for years. If you have diabetes, for example, your risk for another frozen shoulder will increase to about 35 percent.
A person with frozen shoulder will most likely experience pain in the shoulder, which is usually described as a dull ache that worsens with certain movements. The patient may also feel stiff and unable to lay down on the affected shoulder for some time. The stiffness and pain may limit work and daily activities. As the shoulder joint begins to thaw, movement becomes easier and more pain-free. Recovery from frozen shoulder will improve mobility, sleep quality, and function.
A physical therapist will examine both joints in the shoulder. They will check range of motion, muscle strength, and pain in the affected area. A physical therapist will also look for other conditions associated with the shoulder. If you have limited range of motion, or are experiencing pain during fast motions, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore mobility and prevent scarring. Even if you have no memory of the injury, it is important to seek medical attention.