PREVENTING FROZEN SHOULDER
PHYSIOTHERAPY A physiotherapist will design a specific exercise program to achieve rehabilitation goals. The exercises will help to stretch the tight joint and strengthen weak muscles. Moderate evidence points to improvements in pain management, range of motion, and functional status for people who underwent Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, continuous passive motion, and dynamic scapular
If someone is at risk for developing a frozen shoulder, one of the best ways to prevent this is to engage in regular physical activity or exercise. Incorporate upper body movements or exercises like swimming, boxing, or yoga. For more information or supervision, consult your physiotherapist to maintain good shoulder mobility. DIAGNOSIS A healthcare provider might ask you to move your arm in specific ways during the physical exam. This is to check for pain and to see how far you can move your arm (active range of motion). Then you might be asked to relax your muscles while the provider moves your arm (passive range of motion). Frozen Shoulder affects both the active and passive range of motion. A frozen shoulder can usually be diagnosed from signs and symptoms alone. However, imaging tests — such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI — can rule out other problems and further confirm the diagnosis. TREATMENT Most frozen shoulder treatment involves controlling shoulder pain and regaining/preserving as much range of motion in the shoulder as possible. MEDICATIONS Pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, or Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a frozen shoulder. Sometimes, a healthcare provider might prescribe stronger pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs.
stability exercises. Committing to these exercises, even at home, is advisable to regain as much movement as possible to reduce pain levels and improve range of motion. The physiotherapist applies pain-relieving modalities to a frozen shoulder, such as therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, Laser Therapy, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWer). SURGICAL & OTHER MEDICAL PROCEDURES Most frozen shoulders get better on their own within 12 to 18 months. For severe or persistent symptoms, other treatments include: • Steroid injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the shoulder joint might help decrease pain and improve shoulder mobility, especially if given soon after a frozen shoulder begins. • Hydrodilatation: Injecting sterile water into the joint capsule can help stretch the tissue and make it easier to move the joint. This is sometimes combined with a steroid injection. • Shoulder manipulation: This procedure involves a general anesthetic medication, so you’ll be unconscious and feel no pain. Then the care provider moves the shoulder joint in different directions to help loosen the tightened tissue. • Surgery: Surgery for a frozen shoulder is rare. But if nothing else helps, surgery can remove scar tissue from inside the shoulder joint. This surgery usually involves making small incisions for instruments guided by a tiny camera inside the joint (arthroscopy).
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