What Is Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder, commonly known as adhesive capsulitis, can be painful and cause pain as the shoulder joint is stiff and unable to move. It usually begins slowly but gets worse over time, making routine activities such as getting your hair brushed and dressing or sleeping on the side that is affected painful. This type of condition occurs most commonly in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. It can be triggered by injury, surgical procedures, or certain diseases such as diabetes.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Being aware of the warning signs for frozen shoulder can help you receive prompt treatment as well as avoid issues.
- Constant Pain: It is a dull, painful discomfort that is often more intense during the night.
- Reduced Motion: Difficulty lifting or turning your arm.
- The shoulder is stiff: It feels like the shoulder is stiff and difficult to move.
- Three Phases:
- Freezing Stage: The pain slowly gets worse as movement slows down.
- Frozen Stage: It is possible that pain will ease a small amount, but stiffness remains.
- Thawing Stage: Progressive improvement in strength and mobility.
Why It Happens
The cause of the problem isn’t always evident; however, the most common cause is that the capsule in the shoulder joints thickens and contracts. Risk factors include:
- A previous shoulder injury or surgery
- Indefinite immobility as a result of an illness or injury
- Thyroid or diabetes related disorders
- The middle-aged group, which includes women, is somewhat more likely to be affected
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physiotherapy is by far the best treatment for frozen shoulders without surgery. A professional physiotherapist will develop an individualised plan that is based on your specific symptoms and the level of healing.
Gentle Stretching
Gentle, controlled stretching exercises help reduce stiffness and increase flexibility with time.
Manual Therapy
The hands-on methods of mobilisation of joints, as well as massage for soft tissue, help to ease the pain and help increase mobility.
Heat and Cold Applications
The heat relaxes shoulder muscles prior to exercise. Ice packs help reduce the inflammation that occurs after exercise.
Strengthening Exercises
When movement is improved, enlarging the muscles around it helps stabilise the shoulder and avoids any future injuries.
Other Treatment Options
Sometimes, doctors might suggest pain relievers or corticosteroid injections. However, generally, they’re coupled with physical therapy to achieve the most effective results.
Expert Care in Gurgaon
If you’re suffering from frozen shoulder, do not wait for it to heal by itself. The sooner you treat it, the faster the recovery process and the discomfort you will experience. A consultation with skilled physiotherapist at physiotherapist in Gurgaon will help you recover your mobility and get back to daily activities sooner and with more ease.
FAQs
What is the time frame for frozen shoulder healing?
Recovery can take between 6 months and two years, based on the type of treatment used and its consistency.
Does it heal with or without therapy?
It could, however, physical therapy speedens the recovery process and reduces the risk of stiffness for long periods.
Do you think frozen shoulder is identical to arthritis?
No, the shoulder capsule and not the joint cartilage, is the cause of arthritis.
Do exercises cause it to become more difficult?
When performed correctly and under the physical therapist’s guidance, exercises can be secure and helpful.
Who’s at the highest risk?
People suffering from thyroid or diabetes, as well as those who are recovering from surgeries or injuries to the shoulder, are more at risk.