Consider the situation when reaching for a cup placed at shoulder level or even attempting to clip the seatbelt in, only to be interrupted by a sharp and nagging pain in the shoulder region. With time, the pain gets worse, turning even straightforward concepts into impossible tasks. Such individuals can be best described using the phenomenon of frozen shoulder, or in medical terminology, adhesive capsulitis.
Introduction
Frozen shoulder is a condition with restricted stiffness, limited range of motion, and discomfort as the underlying issue. The range of motion is considerably lower, leading to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It is exceptionally common among women rather than men in the 40 to 60 age group. Even though the causative agent is of lesser importance, prolonged immobility, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can lead to worsening of the condition.
This article will walk you through the 4 stages of frozen shoulder, effective treatment methods including frozen shoulder injection options, and how physio for frozen shoulder at Phoenix Physio can make the recovery process more effortless and streamlined.
This article will walk you through the various stages of frozen shoulder, effective treatment methods, and how physiotherapy at Phoenix Physio can make the recovery process more effortless and streamlined.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue enveloping the shoulder joint, referred to as the shoulder capsule, becomes thickened and constrained, resulting in restricted movement and discomfort. Usually, this condition evolves slowly over time and can take years to completely resolve without any treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is still much to learn about the specific causes of frozen shoulder. However, several factors could increase the risk:
- Age and Gender: Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are typically the most affected.
- Extended Immobilisation: Shoulder immobility due to surgeries or injuries can lead to frozen shoulder.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like thyroid issues, diabetes, and certain cardiovascular diseases raise the risk.
Symptoms
Frozen shoulder progresses slowly:
- Freezing Stage: Shoulder mobility is decreased as pain gradually worsens.
- Frozen Stage: Shoulder stiffness remains, though pain may reduce.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in range of motion.
Effective Frozen Shoulder Treatments
A combination of pain management and frozen shoulder exercises is key to healing. Treatment selection depends on the stage and severity of the condition.
- Medications
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce inflammation and pain associated with frozen shoulder. - Physical Therapy
Exercising with frozen shoulder under the guidance of a licensed physiotherapist helps restore motion. Consistency with exercises for frozen shoulder is vital. - Corticosteroid Injections
A shoulder injection for frozen shoulder can relieve pain and improve movement, especially when used early. - Hydrodilatation
This technique uses sterile fluid to expand the shoulder joint capsule. It’s sometimes combined with steroids for better results. - Shoulder Manipulation
Under general anaesthesia, a doctor moves your arm in various directions to loosen the joint capsule. Used only if other methods fail. - Surgery
Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be needed if conservative treatments don’t work, involving removal of scar tissue.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Frozen Shoulder
- Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment Plans
At Phoenix Physio, our experts assess your shoulder’s range of motion, pain level, and strength. A custom plan is created, especially tailored to your phase in the 4 stages of frozen shoulder. - Pain Management Techniques
- Thermal Therapy: Hot/cold packs ease tension and pain.
- Manual Therapy: Soft tissue work to reduce discomfort.
- Electrotherapy: Alters pain signals for relief.
- Thermal Therapy: Hot/cold packs ease tension and pain.
- Restoring Range of Motion
Key frozen shoulder exercises include:- Pendulum Exercises
- Passive Stretching
- Active Range of Motion Exercises
- Pendulum Exercises
- Strengthening Surrounding Muscles
During the thawing stage, regaining function is critical. Targeted 5 frozen shoulder exercises for quick relief help build the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, improving posture and stability. - Education and Home Exercises
Education is central to recovery:- Posture and Ergonomics: Learn how to reduce daily shoulder strain.
- Home Exercise Programs: Continue exercising with frozen shoulder at home to sustain progress made during sessions.
- Posture and Ergonomics: Learn how to reduce daily shoulder strain.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can seriously affect quality of life, making simple daily tasks difficult. However, with timely intervention and expert guidance from Phoenix Physio, recovery is possible. Our experienced physiotherapists design personalized care plans that guide patients through all 4 stages of frozen shoulder, using manual therapy, frozen shoulder exercises, and education to reduce pain and restore mobility. If you’re looking for relief, whether through a frozen shoulder injection, physio for frozen shoulder, or proven 5 frozen shoulder exercises for quick relief, Phoenix Physio is here to support you every step of the way.
