Frozen Shoulder Treatment & Therapies
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by severe stiffness, discomfort, and a restricted range of motion within the shoulder joint. The condition typically develops gradually and can last for months or even years, impacting the ability to perform everyday activities like reaching for objects or even dressing.
Causes and Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder usually arises from inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule, leading to the formation of scar tissue that restricts movement.
Although the precise cause isn’t always identifiable, various factors play a role in its onset:
- Immobilization After Injury or Surgery: If the shoulder has been immobilized due to an injury, fracture, or surgery, the lack of movement can lead to frozen shoulder. This is particularly common after procedures like rotator cuff repair or mastectomy.
- Diabetes and Thyroid problems: Individuals with diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, though the reasons for this correlation are not fully understood. The risk is higher for those with long-standing diabetes.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, with women being more prone to the condition than men.
- Other Health Conditions: Thyroid disorders, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular diseases are also associated with an increased risk of frozen shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct stages:
- Freezing Stage: This initial phase can last from 6 weeks to 9 months. During this time, pain gradually increases, especially at night, and shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted. Simple tasks like lifting the arm can become excruciatingly painful.
- Frozen Stage: During this stage, which can last from 4 to 12 months, the pain may lessen, but the stiffness worsens. Movement is extremely limited, making it difficult to perform daily activities, and the shoulder may feel stuck or locked in place.
- Thawing Stage: This final phase can last from 6 months to 2 years. he shoulder gradually starts to recover its range of motion, and the pain lessens. However, full recovery may take time, and some stiffness may persist.
Comprehensive Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options
At London Orthopaedic Clinic Nagpur, we provide a range of frozen shoulder treatment & therapies options tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life. Here’s how we can help:
1. Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
- Customized Exercise Programs: Our skilled physiotherapists design individualized exercise plans focusing on stretching, strengthening, and restoring shoulder mobility. These exercises are crucial in gradually loosening the tight joint capsule and improving the range of motion.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation, are used to reduce stiffness and pain, promoting faster recovery.
- Home Exercise Guidance: Patients are also provided with exercises to continue at home, ensuring ongoing progress between therapy sessions.
2. Medications for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
- Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin may be prescribed to help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation and easing pain, making it easier to engage in physical therapy.
3. Hydro-dilatation for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
- Procedure Overview: Hydro-dilatation or joint distension, is a minimally invasive procedure where a sterile fluid, usually saline, is injected into the shoulder joint capsule to stretch it. This procedure can break down adhesions, reduce pain, and improve movement.
- Post-Procedure Care: Following hydro-dilatation, patients are encouraged to continue with physical therapy to maintain and further improve the increased range of motion.
4. Surgical Intervention for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
- Arthroscopic Capsular Release: In cases where conservative treatments have not been effective, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves making small incisions in the shoulder and using specialized instruments to release the tight capsule, allowing for a greater range of motion.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: After surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is crucial to prevent recurrence and ensure the shoulder regains full functionality.
Why Choose London Orthopaedic Clinic?
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care, combining advanced medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our team of orthopedic specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating frozen shoulder, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Dr Vishal Sahni is the most experienced shoulder surgeon in Central India and has performed more than four thousand two hundred Shoulder operations.
- Personalized Care: We take the time to understand each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals, ensuring that the care we provide is as unique as the individual.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with the latest medical technology, allowing us to offer innovative treatments that promote faster recovery and better outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary Team: Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and pain management specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let frozen shoulder keep you from living your life to the fullest. Contact London Orthopaedic Clinic Nagpur today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you regain your mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.