Physiotherapy For Frozen Shoulder

Adults between the ages of 40 and 60 are most typically affected by the painful ailment known as frozen shoulder. Known medically as adhesive capsulitis, it is characterized by joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and shoulder discomfort. There are certain crucial elements to recognizing and treating frozen shoulder, even though it is frequently misdiagnosed as other ailments, including a rotator cuff injury.

Adhesive capsulitis: What Causes It?

The joint becomes inflamed with adhesive capsulitis, resulting in discomfort and stiffness due to inflamed connective and neural structures. Though perspectives on the condition’s causative reasons vary, some people may be more susceptible to acquiring a frozen shoulder. Among them are individuals who have previously had:

  • Damage to the Region
  • Immobility (from a stroke, surgery, or other cause)
  • Diabetic
  • Parkinson’s illness
  • Over- or under-thyroidism

What frozen shoulder symptoms are there?

Depending on how far along your illness has gone, distinct symptoms may accompany the various phases of frozen shoulder development.

First stage: Pain that begins to develop in the shoulder area and gets worse with time is indicative of the first stage of frozen shoulder. Patients sometimes have difficulties sleeping during this phase, which can extend up to six months, because of excruciating discomfort. Prescription medicine might be necessary to properly treat symptoms; however, over-the-counter drugs might aid with pain relief. The range of motion is also altered over time.

Second stage: The freezing phase is the second stage of a frozen shoulder. This phase may extend for four months or up to a year. Even though the pain may have greatly decreased by now, the adhesions in the shoulder joint can still severely impair range of motion and produce crippling rigidity. Patients may experience difficulties with daily tasks including preparing meals, getting dressed, and cleaning, as well as difficulties at work.

Third stage: The shoulder starts to “thaw,” or relax, during this last stage. Range of motion recovers when symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, start to lessen, albeit seldom to the same extent as before developing adhesive capsulitis. Depending on the patient and their tolerance for exercise and therapy, this recuperation phase may extend for up to two years.

How Do They Diagnose Adhesive Capsulitis?

After a comprehensive examination, your doctor or physiotherapist can diagnose a frozen shoulder. Crucial markers consist of:

  • Shoulder pain and surrounding pain
  • Inability to sleep because of shoulder and surrounding region
  • Discomfort
  • Unable to complete basic range-of-motion exercises, including
  • Tossing a ball or reaching up

A formal diagnosis for frozen shoulder may occasionally require an MRI; however, this is seldom necessary because a skilled practitioner can identify the unique range of motion difficulties linked to the condition.

How Do You Treat Frozen Shoulders?

The course of treatment for frozen shoulder is mostly determined by the condition’s stage.

During Phase I, pain management measures may include over-the-counter or prescription analgesics, as well as cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and enhance range of motion. At this time, your physiotherapist may select from a variety of therapy approaches, such as:

  • a light touch or manipulation
  • Acupuncture-Based Chiropractic Care
  • The Use of Kinesiology Tape
  • Stretches and workouts at home

Phase 2: The improvement of range of motion and stiffness is the main emphasis of treatment. During this stage, strengthening exercises help patients feel better faster and with less pain and inflammation.

  • closely watched modifications
  • Increase stretches and exercises gradually.
  • Tape for Kinesiology Acupuncture
  • at-home workouts

Phase 3: Patients will collaborate with their physiotherapist to increase joint range of motion and reduce joint stiffness. At this stage of the treatment, the goals are to reduce the long-term consequences of frozen shoulders and increase strength.

  • specialized stretches and mobilizations
  • skeletal muscle manipulations
  • at-home workouts

It’s critical to obtain a definitive diagnosis and a treatment plan in place as soon as possible if you experience shoulder stiffness or discomfort and think you may have adhesive capsulitis. Physiotherapy can help individuals with frozen shoulders by reducing recovery time, relieving discomfort, and increasing range of motion.