SHOULDER AND ELBOW
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by shoulder joint pain and stiffness.
This condition arises when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting the joint’s mobility. The precise cause of frozen shoulder is not always evident, although it can be associated with inflammation, injury, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder:
- Initial Stage: At this stage, the shoulder experiences a gradual onset of pain and limited movement.
- Frozen Stage: During this stage, the pain may decrease, but the shoulder remains stiff, making daily activities challenging.
- Thawing Stage: In the thawing stage, the shoulder gradually regains its range of motion and most of its function.
Symptoms:
- Shoulder pain that worsens gradually over time.
- Stiffness and restricted range of motion in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead or behind the back.
- Pain and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder:
The objective of treating frozen shoulder is to alleviate pain and enhance shoulder mobility. Typically, a combination of conservative measures is employed, although complete recovery may take several months to years. The primary treatment modalities include:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Therapists guide patients through exercises that stretch and strengthen shoulder muscles while improving joint mobility. The focus is on gradually increasing the range of motion of the shoulder.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat to the shoulder before exercises and using ice packs afterward can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered into the shoulder joint to provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation.
- Joint Distension: In certain situations, the doctor may inject sterile water into the joint capsule to help stretch it, thereby improving mobility.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): In severe cases where other treatments have been ineffective, MUA may be considered. This procedure involves manipulating the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia to break up adhesions and improve range of motion.
- Home Exercises: The physical therapist may provide specific exercises for the patient to perform regularly at home to complement in-office sessions.
Frozen shoulder typically improves over time with proper treatment. Early intervention and consistent physical therapy are crucial to prevent further stiffness and loss of function.
It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms to seek evaluation and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist, to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
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