Dealing with Frozen Shoulder: Best Treatment Options
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff. It is a common shoulder injury that can cause difficulty with daily tasks, such as reaching for something on a shelf or dressing. Fortunately, there are ways to treat this problem, so that you can go back to living your life without pain and discomfort. Read on to learn more about the best treatment options for dealing with frozen shoulder.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder can be caused by an injury or inflammation of the shoulder joint. It may also be caused by conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or stroke that can interfere with regular movement. If a person has had either an injury or an illness, they may be at a higher risk for frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
In order to diagnose frozen shoulder, a doctor will ask questions about the patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also use imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. A physical therapist can also perform specific tests to assess the range of motion in the shoulder.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
The most common treatment for frozen shoulder is physical therapy, which can help the patient improve their range of motion and reduce the pain. In addition, medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and manage the pain. Steroid injections and surgeries may also be considered if other treatments are not effective.
Home Remedies for Frozen Shoulder
In addition to medical treatments, there are some home remedies that can be used to help manage the symptoms of frozen shoulder. These include exercises to improve range of motion, heat and cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications. Stretching exercises can also help reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Real-World Applications of Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
For people with frozen shoulder, treatments can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility. Physical therapy and/or medications are recommended by most doctors as the first line of defense. In addition, home remedies such as exercises and heat and cold therapy can be very helpful.
Risk Factors and Prevention
There are certain risk factors associated with frozen shoulder, such as age, gender, and medical conditions like diabetes. To reduce the risk of developing frozen shoulder, it is important to maintain good shoulder health and use proper form when performing physical activities. If an injury or illness is present, then prompt and appropriate care should be sought out in order to reduce the risk of long-term effects.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to recover from frozen shoulder?
The recovery process from frozen shoulder can vary from person to person. It often takes several months or even up to year to completely recover from frozen shoulder.
What exercises can I do for frozen shoulder?
Exercises for frozen shoulder can include active and passive range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Specifically, some good exercises are pendulum stretches, wall slides, and shoulder rolls.
Can I prevent frozen shoulder?
Yes, there are steps that can be taken to prevent frozen shoulder, such as maintaining good shoulder health and using proper form when performing physical activities. Additionally, it is important to seek prompt and appropriate care in the event of an injury or illness.
Can frozen shoulder be cured?
Most cases of frozen shoulder can be cured with a combination of treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and/or home remedies. In very severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
What are the stages of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically occurs in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. During the freezing stage, the shoulder starts to become painful and stiff. During the frozen stage, the shoulder continues to become stiffer and painful. Finally, during the thawing stage, the shoulder gradually loosens up and the pain decreases.
Final Words
Frozen shoulder can be a painful and disabling condition, but luckily there are treatments available to help manage the pain and improve range of motion. Physical therapy, medications, and home remedies can all be used to successfully treat frozen shoulder. It is important to remember that the recovery process can take several months, so it is important to be patient and follow the doctor’s orders. With patience and proper care, you can eventually return to living your life without the pain and stiffness of frozen shoulder.