Management of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Management of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, what is it?

Frozen shoulder is stiffness, pain, and limited range of movement in your shoulder. It can happen after an injury to your shoulder or from overuse. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to get frozen shoulder at some stage in their life. The tissues around the joint stiffen, scar tissue causes restriction in movement, and the shoulder movement becomes difficult and painful. The condition comes on slowly over time and improves slowly over the course of a 12 to 24 months.

Causes:

• After surgery or injury.
• Individuals aged 40 to 70 years old
• More common in women
• Individuals with chronic disease

Treatment:

• Treatment usually starts with anti inflammatory medications
• Application of heat to the affected area
• Physiotherapy: Gentle stretching, manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, scar tissue management
• Corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce pain and swelling

Prevention:

• Exact cause is not known
• Range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and using your shoulder more may help prevent a frozen shoulder from developing
• It may not be possible to prevent the condition from developing
• Symptoms nearly always gets better over time

If you are suffering from shoulder pain and symptoms, get in touch with Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta. Let us help you get better.