Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis:

Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis:

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, typically caused by inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of frozen shoulder: Include gradual onset of shoulder pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, making everyday activities like reaching or lifting difficult.

Causes:

Frozen shoulder can be caused by various factors including shoulder injury, prolonged immobilization (such as after surgery or injury), certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, and sometimes occurs without a clear cause (idiopathic).

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage): Gradual onset of shoulder pain that worsens over time, accompanied by increasing stiffness and limited range of motion.
2. Frozen Stage (Adhesive Stage): Pain may begin to diminish, but stiffness and limited range of motion become more pronounced, making daily activities challenging.
3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage): Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility and reduction in stiffness, with most patients experiencing a return to normal or near-normal function over time, which can take several months to years.

Diagnosing frozen shoulders typically involves a physical examination to assess shoulder mobility, range of motion, and pain levels. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis by revealing signs of inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule.

 Treatment for frozen shoulder often begins with conservative measures such as:

1. Pain Management: Using over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
2. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches guided by a physiotherapist to improve shoulder mobility and strength.
3. Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the shoulder to help reduce pain and stiffness.
4. Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
5. Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as manipulation under anesthesia or shoulder arthroscopy may be considered to release tight tissues and improve mobility.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and severity of the condition.

Physiotherapy management;

for frozen shoulder typically involves several key approaches:

1. Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises to gradually improve shoulder flexibility and mobility.
2. Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, helping to support and stabilize the shoulder.
3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques by a physiotherapist such as mobilization and manipulation to reduce stiffness and improve joint movement.
4. Modalities: Use of modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Education and Home Exercises: Providing education on posture, ergonomic modifications, and home exercise programs to maintain progress and prevent recurrence.

Physiotherapy aims to restore function and reduce pain progressively, tailored to each individual’s stage and severity of frozen shoulder.

Advice:

Here are some unique pieces of advice for managing frozen shoulder:

1. Patience and Persistence: Recovery from frozen shoulder can be slow, so patience is key. Consistently follow your physiotherapy exercises and treatment plan.
2. Gentle Stretching: Perform gentle stretching exercises regularly to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the shoulder joint.
3. Pain Management: Use pain-relieving techniques such as heat or cold packs as recommended by your healthcare provider to manage discomfort.
4. Posture Awareness: Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
5. Modify Activities: Avoid activities that exacerbate shoulder pain or restrict movement. Modify tasks to reduce strain on the affected shoulder.
6. Stay Active: Engage in low-impact activities that promote shoulder movement and overall physical fitness, as tolerated.
7. Follow-Up: Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider or physiotherapist to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can support recovery and improve function in your shoulder over time.