Freezing of the shoulder, medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a disorder which results in the progressive stiffness and pain of the shoulder joint. From experience, you will be aware of how disabling such a problem can be; simple actions like lifting a box from a high place become an impossible task. Fortunately, physiotherapy techniques have been developed to treat frozen shoulder.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder occurs as a result of inflammation of the tissues around the shoulder joint. It usually occurs in three stages, which include freezing stage (where pain increases), frozen stage (where pain is stable but stiffness increases), and thawing stage (where symptoms start to improve). Although the specific cause is unknown, frozen shoulder is known to occur after an injury or surgery or when one has not moved the shoulder for a long time.
It may take many months or years to heal without any treatment. This is where physiotherapy comes in.
How Physiotherapy Addresses Frozen Shoulder
Reducing Inflammation and Pain
Several methods are used by physiotherapists to treat the inflammation responsible for your pain. Manual treatment, such as joint manipulation, will relieve stiffness while treatments like ultrasound and heating will treat the inflammation. Treatment of the pain at an early stage will allow movement of your shoulder without stiffness.
Restoring Range of Motion
The main objective for treating a frozen shoulder is to regain mobility. Your physiotherapist will formulate a stretching routine that is customized to your present level of capability. The stretching exercise focuses on the capsule of the shoulder joint as well as the muscles around it. It will increase the range of motion of your arm.
Strengthening Supporting Muscles
When pain is alleviated and movement is improved, strengthening becomes important. Muscle weakness in the shoulders contributes to the issue and may even cause further injury. Your physiotherapist will teach you strengthening exercises for your rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers that won’t cause any pain or harm your shoulder joint.
Patient Education and Home Exercise Programs
Treatment is not limited to the clinic only. The physiotherapist will provide you with information on good posture, proper body movements, and self-help techniques. An effective home exercise program is essential, which will consist of exercises carried out at home on a regular basis, usually daily.
The Treatment Timeline
The rate of recovery will depend on the person and when the treatment starts. It is possible that some individuals will start recovering in just a few weeks while for others, it might take several months. Your consistent involvement in the physiotherapy program will definitely have an effect on your recovery process.
When to Seek Physiotherapy
Should your shoulder experience pain causing a restriction in movement, you should see a physiotherapist. This will prevent the condition from developing into something worse. Physiotherapy is possible even for patients who have been suffering from frozen shoulder for months; it is never too late.
Moving Forward
The frozen shoulder condition does not necessarily have to confine you to your current situation. With physiotherapy, most patients end up with their shoulders functioning well and being pain-free. It is a condition that calls for patience and commitment on your part, but the results will be worth it.
Your physiotherapist is there to help you in coming up with an effective strategy for your recovery. Depending on the stage you are at, you can take advantage of the assistance that comes with a professional’s guidance.
If you suspect that your frozen shoulder has been interfering with your day-to-day activities, visit a physiotherapy clinic near you for treatment.