Shoulder pain is arguably the worst pains that you can endure. It’s harrowing and limits most of your daily activities. Although there are multiple causes of shoulder pain, it’s always critical to get a proper diagnosis. A perfect example of such a condition is the frozen shoulder. It’s a common complaint among the elderly and is associated with a lot of pain and immobility. Frozen shoulder exhibits in many ways, and identifying the symptoms early ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.
Let’s begin by understanding what frozen shoulder is
Frozen shoulder is also referred to as adhesive capsulitis. It’s a painful condition that affects your shoulder and arm, thus limiting movement. It happens when your joint capsule attaches to itself. This part of the body has multiple nerves, and any movement that affects the attached part results in lots of pain.
What are the signs of frozen shoulder?
The frozen shoulder is common in women than in men and comes in three stages. These are the freezing, frozen, and thawing. The common signs that Wee Pain and physical therapy clinic doctors look out for are;
- Intense pain at the deltoid region
- Pain that radiates down the arm
- Guarded shoulder movements
- Pain in the upper back and neck
What are the treatment options available?
There are various treatment options for adhesive capsulitis; these include massage, physical therapy, exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching, and more. If the patient doesn’t respond to treatment, surgery may be a viable option. However, the procedure should be performed by an experienced surgeon to avoid further injury to the affected shoulder.
1. Massage treatment
Massage involves various techniques, and deep tissue massage is preferred. It works on deeper layers of muscle in your body and can help with severe cases of frozen shoulder. The technique applies pressure on the shoulder muscles to relax and release tension.
2. Trigger point therapy
The technique involves exercises focusing on specific points of your muscles. It’s very effective and can significantly relieve pain and muscle spasms. The common exercises include;
- Neck stretching
- Shoulder shrugging
- Capsule stretching
- Shoulder rotation
- Arm pushing
3. Physical therapy
Physical therapy involves a physical therapist whose goal is to help regain your movement. The professional will design an individualized exercise plan to match your specific needs. Such exercises are effective for patients in stage two or higher. The procedure uses pain reduction methods such as heat wraps, ointments, and creams to alleviate the pain. It may sometimes include massage to the affected area to improve circulation.
Also, the physical therapist may recommend some exercises that you can do at home to expedite recovery. Health facilities offering frozen shoulder treatment also assist patients with other joint conditions. For instance, Wee’s Physical Therapy clinic provides back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness treatment, and many other services.
4. Anti-inflammatory medications
The doctor may also prescribe some medications to help ease inflammation and pain. These include; Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Such drugs work to alleviate inflammation that may be hindering movement. They also relieve the pain associated with the frozen shoulder.
In summary
If you’re suffering from a frozen shoulder, you should seek help from reputed physical therapy clinics and avoid activities that aggravate the pain and inflammation. It’s also advisable to try motion exercises and to avoid further motion loss.