Recognizing and Treating Frozen Shoulder
At New Light Physiotherapy Clinic, we frequently encounter patients suffering from frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, a condition that severely limits mobility and daily functioning. In this post, we will explore the symptoms of frozen shoulder in-depth and demonstrate how physiotherapy plays a critical role in diagnosing, managing, and treating this condition effectively.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and significant stiffness in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks such as reaching, lifting, or even sleeping very difficult. It typically develops gradually in three distinct phases:
- Freezing Phase: This early stage is characterized by increasing pain and a gradual loss of range of motion. The pain may become more intense at night, affecting sleep.
- Frozen Phase: During this phase, the pain often diminishes, but the stiffness remains severe. Movement becomes highly restricted, and the joint feels “frozen.”
- Thawing Phase: The final stage is the slow return of mobility. It may take months, but with appropriate treatment, significant improvement in shoulder movement can be achieved.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder manifests in several ways, which can vary in severity. The main symptoms include:
1. Persistent Pain
- Initial Pain: Early symptoms of frozen shoulder include a dull or aching pain that is often felt in the outer shoulder and sometimes radiates down the arm.
- Increased Intensity: Over time, the pain typically worsens, especially with specific movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back. It is also more pronounced at night, affecting sleep patterns.
- Pain during Rest: At later stages, the pain may not be as intense during physical activity but can still be present during rest, especially in the shoulder joint.
2. Stiffness and Decreased Range of Motion
- Difficulty with Basic Movements: As stiffness sets in, patients may notice that they are unable to raise their arm, reach overhead, or complete basic tasks like brushing their hair or putting on a jacket.
- Progressive Restriction: The range of motion continues to decline in the frozen phase, and normal movements such as driving, reaching for items, or performing personal care routines can become challenging or even impossible.
3. Reduced Mobility
- Frozen Joint: The shoulder joint’s mobility becomes severely limited during the later stages. This “frozen” feeling is often coupled with ongoing discomfort, even though the intensity of pain might lessen.
- Long-Term Effects: Without intervention, the shoulder remains stiff, leading to chronic disability. Mobility might be permanently affected if not properly treated.
How Physiotherapy Helps in Treating Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage and treat frozen shoulder. At New Light Physiotherapy Clinic, we use a holistic, evidence-based approach that includes:
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis
- Thorough Evaluation: Our experienced physiotherapists conduct a detailed assessment of your shoulder’s range of motion, pain levels, and overall functional limitations. We also assess your posture and daily movement patterns to understand how the condition is affecting your daily life.
- Imaging and Collaboration: If necessary, we collaborate with your physician for imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain.
2. Tailored Treatment Plans
- Pain Management Techniques:
- Ultrasound Therapy: Used to reduce inflammation and alleviate deep muscle tension.
- Heat/Cold Therapy: Application of heat or ice can help manage pain and reduce swelling during the acute phase.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A technique that uses electrical currents to block pain signals and promote healing.
- Range of Motion Improvement:
- Stretching and Joint Mobilizations: Our physiotherapists perform gentle stretches and mobilization techniques tailored to your specific phase of frozen shoulder. These exercises are designed to increase the flexibility of the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles gradually.
- Active and Passive Exercises: We employ a combination of active exercises (where you move the shoulder with guidance) and passive exercises (where the physiotherapist assists the movement) to improve mobility in a controlled, safe manner.
- Strengthening Exercises:
- Restoring Function: As stiffness decreases, we incorporate strengthening exercises to improve muscle endurance and overall shoulder strength, helping you regain normal function and prevent future injuries.
- Progressive Load: Exercises gradually increase in intensity to ensure safe recovery, enhancing shoulder stability.
3. Education and Home Exercise Programs
- Self-Management Techniques: We provide patients with a customized home exercise program to encourage daily practice, ensuring that progress continues between sessions.
- Posture and Ergonomics: Our physiotherapists educate you on proper posture and ergonomic strategies to minimize strain on your shoulder during routine activities, such as sitting, lifting, or even sleeping.
When Should You Visit New Light Physiotherapy Clinic?
If you notice persistent pain, discomfort, or difficulty moving your shoulder, it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later. Early intervention can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent the condition from progressing to more severe stages. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as difficulty with overhead reaching, trouble dressing, or ongoing shoulder pain, it may be time to consult a physiotherapist.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can significantly impact daily life, but with the right treatment, recovery is not only possible but achievable. At New Light Physiotherapy Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care to help you recover from frozen shoulder and regain full mobility.
Don’t let frozen shoulder hold you back—schedule an appointment with our team today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free shoulder!