Frozen Shoulder – Part 2 - Health Plus Digest

The last phase is thawing or recovery. During this time the shoulder starts to move on its own and range of motion increases. The pain may fluctuate as the stiffness eases and you gain more movement. This recovery is often spontaneous, meaning it happens without treatment. However, with some intra-articular (in the joint) steroid injections and persistent physical therapy, some patients have experienced better outcomes and little to no functional disabilities.

During the final phase of the condition, it is important to restore normal range of motion. Ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy are the treatments of choice. With the expertise of a physical therapist you can learn how far to push yourself during stretching and the appropriate exercises to use. Once you have learned your PT program, you should be doing the majority of the work at home.

During this period of time it’s important not to overdo your program. Limit any overhead reaching, lifting or anything that aggravates the pain. The old adage of “no pain, no gain” is not applicable in this case. Full recovery can take up to 3 years.

Resources:

Sports Injury Clinic: Frozen Shoulder

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/shoulder-pain/frozen-shoulder

American Diabetes Assciation: Frozen Shoulder

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/related-conditions/frozen-shoulder.html

Cleveland Clinic: Adhesive Capsulitis

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/orthopaedics-rheumatology/diseases-conditions/adhesive-capsulitis.aspx

American Family Physician: Adhesive Capsulitis

http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0401/p1843.html

Harvard Public health: How to release a frozen shoulder

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/how-to-release-a-frozen-shoulder

MedlinePlus: Frozen Shoulder