Frozen Shoulder is a medical condition in which a person experiences pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It restricts the movement of the arm and causes obstructions in performing day-to-day activities.
Adhesive capsulitis is found in between 6% and 1% of populations. Most commonly, the condition affects women over 45. People who are at risk of developing a frozen shoulder include the following-
-People who have diabetes mellitus
-People with immobilized shoulders due to any other reason like surgery or injury
-People with a history of stroke, Parkinson’s, diseases affecting the thyroid gland.
To ease pain and restore the mobility of the shoulders, physiotherapy for frozen shoulder is recommended.
Physiotherapy treatment for frozen shoulder helps to find relief from the pain. It is an effective treatment to speed up the healing and recovery process.
In this blog, we’re sharing information on the frozen shoulder and how physiotherapy treatment can help. Let’s read further to know.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
There are three phases involved in the symptoms of a frozen shoulder. They include:
#1 Freezing Phase
In this stage, you will suffer from extreme shoulder pain and the onset of stiffness in your shoulder. This is the phase when your shoulder won’t be completely frozen but will start freezing and solidifying. This phase can last for 3 to 9 months.
This is definitely a long time of suffering, but you shouldn’t undergo aggressive treatments during this phase. However, you can opt for pain relief treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication and some modalities at the physiotherapy clinic like Laser and Interferential Current to minimize and control pain.
#2 Frozen phase
In the next stage, your shoulder will suffer more stiffness. This transition from phase 1 to 2 can be painful. Here your ability to move your shoulder will be limited. The phase can last for 4 to 12 months and can be very difficult to tackle.
Upon reaching this phase, you can consider Physiotherapy treatment for frozen shoulder to find relief. It can help to improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness. It is recommended to use heat or ice throughout the frozen stage to relieve muscle pain before you begin your exercise program.
At this stage, strengthening exercises are added to keep muscle strength.
#3 Thawing phase
During the thawing phase, you will experience a gradual return to normal motion. The pain and stiffness goes away. The phase can last from 12 to 24 months.
Physiotherapy is the right treatment to recover from this phase. Strengthening exercises are extremely important since there is significant shoulder slack after several months without movement. Exercises for all surrounding musculature are included in this phase.
Also Read: Benefits of Physiotherapy for people with injuries & disabilities
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing a frozen shoulder involves several steps, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging. Patients typically experience pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. During the medical history assessment, doctors gather information about the duration and progression of symptoms.
The physical examination assesses the shoulder’s range of motion, identifying limitations and tender spots. Imaging methods such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to eliminate other potential causes. The diagnostic stages of frozen shoulder—freezing, frozen, and thawing—help confirm the condition.
Doctors also rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Once diagnosed, appropriate treatments like physiotherapy can be recommended to alleviate pain and improve shoulder mobility. If you suspect you have a frozen shoulder, seek medical attention for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
How can a Physical Therapist help?
A physical therapist will work at restoring your movement and decreasing pain to help you perform daily tasks. Exercise has been shown to be more effective for people with phase two or higher.
Your treatment can include physiotherapy exercises for frozen shoulder pain that are designed for your specific needs.
Is Physio for Frozen Shoulders Effective or Not?
Yes! Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder pain. It can reduce the need for surgery and can speed up the recovery process. If you are suffering with pain and stiffness in your shoulders, it’s time to see a physiotherapist in Mississauga.
At Proremedy Physiotherapy, we have experience in helping our patients find relief from a variety of medical conditions and illnesses. We can help you get rid of your shoulder joint pain and get back to your normal routine.
To find relief, Book an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
If frozen shoulder is not treated, it may cause severe pain, loss of mobility, and reduced range of motion in the shoulders.
Stretching exercises can be beneficial for treating frozen shoulders. They help to relieve tension and stiffness in the muscles so you can relax. They also restore mobility and improve the functioning of your shoulders.
Inflammatory conditions, including frozen shoulders, become worse at night. It is caused by high pressure on the shoulder joint, which results in increasing pain.
Frozen shoulder is commonly seen in women who have a sedentary lifestyle, weak postural muscles, and suffer hormonal imbalance. All these conditions make them more prone to having it.
