How to Recover from a Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful ailment that significantly inhibits shoulder movements. It frequently occurs in patients who have diabetes or who have had a shoulder injury (rotator cuff tear). It is also more common in women and those over the age of 40.

A frozen shoulder can usually be treated with pain relievers, physiotherapy, and exercises.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Physiotherapy treatments are tailored to your specific condition and requirements.

Shoulder mobilisation, electrotherapy modalities, and stretching exercises are all part of the physiotherapy treatment for frozen shoulder.

1. Frozen Shoulder Mobilization Shoulder

Shoulder mobilisation is a physiotherapy method used by manual therapists who are highly competent and certified. Before using any therapy procedure, a thorough examination and assessment of the shoulder is performed.

There are two basic manual treatment procedures that are commonly used to eliminate pain or improve range of motion.

Maitland mobilisation, for example, is a widespread manual therapy used to treat a variety of joint diseases. The level of movement and force provided by your therapist depends on the objective of this therapy, i.e., whether it is used for pain relief or stretching.

Movement with Mobilization is the second mobilisation technique (MWM). This approach can help you increase the range of motion in your shoulder. Your shoulder joint is subjected to a sustained application of gliding force. You can do it yourself or have your therapist do it for you.

Shoulder mobilisation, in combination with range of motion exercises (ROM) and stretching, is now the most effective therapy option for frozen shoulder.

2. Modalities of Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy methods such as laser therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Interferential therapy can provide instant pain relief (IFT). Light electrical stimulation of the muscles is used to provide relief to sufferers.

Although shoulder mobilisation and electrotherapy are only available through professionals, there are some exercises you may do on your own to help cure your frozen shoulder.

3. Frozen Shoulder Stretching Exercises

Simple and pain-free stretching exercises should be done at home during the initial painful stage of frozen shoulder. The essential action during the first stage is to improve your shoulder's range of motion (ROM), as this is when indicators of stiffness begin to develop.

The stretching program's duration, frequency, and intensity increase as the treatment advances.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options

Along with physiotherapy, understanding your own illness can help you feel less frustrated and more motivated to stick to your treatment plan. Your physiotherapist's recommendations for education and a home exercise programme play a key role in your recovery.

Knowing everything there is to know about your health and the treatment options available can make a great difference in how you handle it. The rate of healing and recovery is determined by a number of factors, including the stage of the frozen shoulder, attendance at physiotherapy sessions, and home exercises.

To expect a smooth recovery, you must attend your physiotherapy appointments and follow your home care programme on a regular basis. After the sessions begin, it usually takes 7-10 days for you to see a difference in your shoulder. As the treatment advances, your shoulder will feel lighter and pain-free, and full recovery will take at least 4-6 weeks.

"The primary line of treatment for a frozen shoulder is usually physiotherapy, though injections may be recommended in some circumstances." "We may propose surgery if the condition persists despite treatment," Dr. Vikas explains.

Frozen Shoulder Surgery

If you have chronic pain or limited results with lengthy physiotherapy, you may want to consider least invasive procedures (MIS) for frozen shoulder treatment. If you've been putting off treatment because of failed physiotherapy or a dread of surgery, now is the time to stop suffering and take advantage of medical advances.

The tight structure that causes frozen shoulder is loosened during surgery. It is surgically corrected if there is an accompanying tear in the shoulder muscle (rotator cuff tear).

Arthroscopy has the advantages of speedier rehabilitation, relatively small cuts, and minimum pain. You can resume normal activities after surgery after 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. You can even restart sporting activities three months after surgery.

Hear from Rama Khanna, who was prescribed injections for her frozen shoulder at first. She came to see us for a second opinion, and she was completely healed without surgery in just 6 weeks!