Frozen Shoulder

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, difficulty moving your shoulder, inability to raise your arm fully, or pain when lifting your arm, these could be signs of a “frozen shoulder.” This abnormal condition affecting the shoulder joint can occur in anyone and significantly impacts daily life. However, don’t worry, as it can be treated effectively with the right approach.

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How to Identify a Frozen Shoulder?

Symptoms of a frozen shoulder can vary among individuals, depending on the stage of the condition. Initial signs to look out for include:

  • Difficulty lifting the arm in any direction – front, left, right, or back.
  • Pain when lifting the arm to nearly its full range.
  • Shoulder pain during the night or when lying on the affected side.
  • A dull pain in the shoulder that worsens with movement.
  • Inability to reach behind the back.
  • Difficulty in raising the arm to wash hair or wear clothes over the head.
  • Struggling to push open heavy doors.
  • Difficulty in carrying, lifting, or handling heavy objects. If you notice these symptoms, it might indicate the onset of a frozen shoulder. It’s advisable to consult a physical therapist early for treatment, as neglecting these symptoms can lead to a worsening of the condition.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

A frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:

  1. Freezing Stage (2 – 9 months): Characterized by increasing pain, especially at night or when lying on the affected side. Gradually, shoulder movement becomes more restricted.

  2. Frozen Stage (4 – 12 months): The pain starts to diminish, leaving a dull ache. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer, severely limiting movement and impacting daily activities.

  3. Thawing Stage (5 months – 2 years): Shoulder mobility gradually improves, and pain decreases. If full recovery isn’t achieved, doctors might suggest shoulder manipulation or arthroscopic surgery to speed up recovery.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, can arise from various factors, including:

  • Repetitive strain from prolonged activities like typing or repetitive sports movements.
  • Wear and tear due to overuse or aging.
  • Shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tendinitis or fractures around the shoulder.
  • Side effects of chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or Parkinson’s disease.
  • Autoimmune reactions where the body’s immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation.

Who is at Risk of Developing a Frozen Shoulder?

Certain groups are more prone to developing a frozen shoulder:

  • More common in women, especially between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, or lung-related issues like tuberculosis.
  • People with limited mobility, such as bedridden patients.
  • Those who have experienced shoulder trauma or have a torn rotator cuff.

When to Seek Treatment for a Frozen Shoulder

Even though a frozen shoulder can resolve on its own, it’s crucial to seek medical attention when symptoms arise. Early treatment by a physical therapist or doctor can ensure a full recovery, alleviate pain, and reduce the risk of muscle atrophy or severe shoulder stiffness due to lack of use.

Treatment Options for a Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for a frozen shoulder focuses on relieving pain and restoring mobility, tailored to the stage of the condition:

  • Pain and Inflammation Management: In the freezing stage, pain is most intense. Doctors may prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy is initiated once pain subsides to restore normal shoulder function.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medication: For lingering pain, anti-inflammatory drugs may be injected into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation, facilitating more effective physical therapy.

  • Physical Therapy: Focuses on stretching the stiff shoulder capsule to increase flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapists perform initial stretching exercises, then instruct patients on specific exercises to continue at home.

  • Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where medication and physical therapy are ineffective, or in patients with fragile bones unable to undergo manipulation, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to increase shoulder mobility.

Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment method, has shown promise in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). This therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing and pain relief in the affected area.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

  1. Mechanism of Action: Shockwave therapy involves delivering high-energy sound waves to the shoulder area. These waves promote healing by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the regeneration of damaged tissue.

  2. Application: For frozen shoulder, the shockwaves are targeted toward the shoulder joint, particularly around the capsule of the joint which becomes inflamed and stiff in this condition.

  3. Duration and Frequency: Treatment typically consists of multiple sessions, each lasting about 5 to 10 minutes, spread over a few weeks.

Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

  1. Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain by diminishing inflammation and stimulating nerve fibers that interfere with pain signals.

  2. Improved Mobility: The therapy helps to break down adhesions and scar tissue in the shoulder capsule, improving range of motion and flexibility.

  3. Non-Invasive Treatment: This therapy offers a non-surgical option for patients seeking alternatives to invasive procedures like shoulder manipulation under anesthesia or surgery.

  4. Safety: Shockwave therapy is generally safe with minimal side effects, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.

The Treatment Process

Before considering shock wave therapy for frozen shoulder syndrome, it’s crucial to understand the treatment process. Typically, it involves:

  1. Consultation: You’ll have a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who will assess your condition and determine if shock wave therapy is suitable for you.
  2. Treatment Sessions: Shock wave therapy is administered in a series of sessions, usually spaced a few weeks apart. During each session, the shock waves are targeted at the affected areas.
  3. Monitoring and Recovery: After each session, your progress will be monitored, and you may receive guidance on exercises and lifestyle adjustments to complement the therapy.
  4. Long-Term Care: For some individuals, ongoing maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain the benefits of shock wave therapy over time.

Why Choose Pain Clinic Near Me for Frozen Shoulder Treatment?

If you’re dealing with a frozen shoulder, experiencing shoulder pain, difficulty lifting your arm, or pain when raising your arm, don’t delay treatment. You can schedule an appointment for physical therapy at Pain Clinic Near Me.

Our clinic offers expert care from a team of qualified doctors and physical therapists. With modern physiotherapy equipment like Shock Wave, we conduct a thorough initial assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Rest assured, we are committed to improving your condition from the very first session.

FAQ

Engaging in physical therapy can contribute to an improvement in chronic pain from the very first session. However, to enhance treatment effectiveness, it is recommended to undergo continuous physical therapy sessions as advised by medical professionals or physical therapists. Typically, positive results can be anticipated within the initial 5-6 sessions, especially for individuals with moderately severe symptoms.

At Pain Clinic Near Me, we employ state-of-the-art physical therapy tools to treat our clients, providing relief from pain starting with the first session—without the need for medication or surgery.

Pain Clinic Near Me is a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic overseen by licensed physicians. We are able to provide medical certificates to our clients for the purpose of health insurance claims or outpatient group insurance (OPD).

Pain Clinic Near Me offers parking space for up to a hundred vehicles, providing convenient and hassle-free access for those driving in for our services.

Payments for services at Pain Clinic Near Me can be made in cash, by card, or through bank transfer. We offer multiple convenient options to suit your preferences.