How to Treat Frozen Shoulder

Are your shoulder joints stiff? Do you have trouble performing daily tasks due to pain in your shoulders? You may be experiencing early symptoms of frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. At United Rehab Physical Therapy, our physical therapist in Shirley will help treat your frozen shoulder and educate you on the necessary ways to care for your condition.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint doesn’t have space to move properly, therefore leaving the joint stiff with a limited range of mobility. The shoulder capsule becomes tighter and develops adhesions which contributes to the joint’s low range in motion.

Who’s at risk?

Most people who have experienced frozen shoulder will develop it after an injury. However, there several potential causes of this condition. A few risk factors that may expose you to frozen shoulder are listed below:

Diabetes significantly increases your chances of developing a frozen shoulder.

Individuals with thyroid disorders are also at an elevated risk.

Those who wear a shoulder sling for extended periods post-surgery heighten their chance for getting frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder may also occur if your shoulder must remain in place for an extended period due to a recent operation or stroke.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

There are three stages of frozen shoulder called “freezing,” “frozen,” and “thawing.” Each of these stages will have varying recovery times. However, a frozen shoulder may take up to three years to completely heal. The three stages are listed below:

Freezing: Pain will gradually become more intense, making the shoulder joint more difficult to move. This stage lasts a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 9 months.

Frozen: Pain either remains the same as it was in the first stage or gradually declines. The shoulder has limited mobility and remains stiff during this stage which can last from a minimum of 4 months to 6 months.

Thawing: It becomes easier to move your shoulder and mobility may return to normal. Although the pain fades, it may revisit occasionally. The thawing stage ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

Treatments

Although there are many treatments, physical therapy is the most common way to heal a frozen shoulder. The goal of physical therapy is to stretch out the joint and make progress towards regaining any lost motion. Along with stretching, it is important to complete at-home exercises to reach recovery as quickly as possible. At United Rehab Physical Therapy, our physical therapist in Shirley will work with you through gentle exercises that will help regain mobility in the shoulder. Here are a few simple at-home exercises you can perform:

Crossover arm stretch
Forward flexion
External rotation

If you feel that you’re experiencing pain or stiffness in your shoulder, you may be developing frozen shoulder. At United Rehab Physical Therapy, our physical therapist in Shirley will ensure that you receive the proper treatment. Don’t wait and allow the condition to get worse. Call us today at 631-204-6190 to make an appointment.