Frozen shoulder, a condition that restricts shoulder movement and causes pain, puzzles many with its sudden onset and lingering presence. This blog post focuses on the causes, treatment efficacy of physiotherapy, recovery timelines, and everything else you need to know. By having a better understanding of this condition, individuals can navigate their path to recovery with informed decisions and appropriate care.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It often follows an injury or a period of immobility that affects the shoulder. This lack of movement can lead to the thickening and tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, significantly reducing its range of motion.
The exact cause of frozen shoulder remains somewhat elusive, but it is closely linked to immobility or trauma. The shoulder joint becomes encased in a stiff capsule, severely limiting movement and causing discomfort or pain.
Recovering From Frozen Shoulder With Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in the treatment of frozen shoulder. A tailored regimen of exercises and manual therapy techniques aims to gradually expand the shoulder’s range of motion, restore flexibility, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder to support its proper function.
Physiotherapy focuses on stretching the shoulder capsule, restoring flexibility, and strengthening surrounding muscles to improve function and reduce pain. A physiotherapist may employ various techniques to treat a frozen shoulder. These include manual therapy to increase joint mobility, specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the shoulder, and modalities to reduce pain and inflammation.
How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Take to Heal?
The journey to recovery from a frozen shoulder is a gradual process. Progress is typically in phases over a period of months, each phase focusing on different goals such as pain relief, increasing mobility, and strengthening the shoulder.
The initial painful phase can last several months, followed by a frozen phase where the focus is on increasing mobility. The final thawing phase, where the range of motion gradually returns, can extend even longer. Consistency in physiotherapy sessions and adherence to a home exercise program are crucial for recovery.
The Role of Massage in Treating Frozen Shoulder
Massage therapy can complement physiotherapy in the treatment of frozen shoulder by promoting relaxation, enhancing circulation, and reducing muscle tension around the shoulder.
Massage is generally considered safe and beneficial for individuals with frozen shoulder. It can help alleviate pain, which in turn supports the recovery process. However, it’s important to approach massage therapy with caution and ensure it’s performed by a skilled therapist familiar with the condition.
Exercises to Avoid With Frozen Shoulder
While physiotherapy offers a structured path to recovery for those suffering from frozen shoulder, understanding the exercises to embrace and those to avoid can significantly impact the recovery process.
When dealing with a frozen shoulder, certain movements can exacerbate pain and stiffness, potentially hindering your progress. It’s crucial to approach your exercise regimen with caution, avoiding activities that involve overhead arm movements, heavy lifting, and sudden, jerky movements. Lifting your arm above your head can strain the already tight shoulder capsule, carrying heavy objects can stress the shoulder joint and worsen symptoms, and quick actions can increase the risk of further injury to the shoulder.
Adhering to these guidelines can help prevent aggravating your condition, allowing the healing process to proceed smoothly.
Choosing Between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care
The decision of whether to see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for a frozen shoulder depends on the specific aspects of the condition you’re aiming to address. Physiotherapy in Woodbridge is particularly beneficial for its comprehensive approach to improving range of motion and reducing pain through tailored exercises, manual therapy, and education. Physiotherapists specialize in restoring movement and function to people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, and education about the condition.
Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors may provide relief for some individuals with frozen shoulders by improving spinal alignment and offering adjustments that can indirectly affect shoulder mobility and pain.
For most cases of frozen shoulder, physiotherapy is often recommended as the first line of treatment due to its direct focus on shoulder mobility and strength. However, in cases where spinal alignment or other musculoskeletal issues are contributing to the condition, a chiropractor might provide beneficial complementary care.
The Best Exercise for Frozen Shoulder
If you are suffering from frozen shoulder symptoms, we recommend getting advice from a professional physiotherapist before proceeding with any exercises at home.
That said, among the various exercises recommended for frozen shoulders, pendulum stretches stand out for their effectiveness in increasing shoulder mobility. This gentle exercise involves leaning forward, allowing the affected arm to hang down, and then gently swinging the arm in small circles. The motion helps to stretch the shoulder joint and can be a starting point for more intensive physiotherapy exercises as the condition improves.
Pendulum stretches serve as a foundational exercise from which more advanced stretches and strengthening exercises can be gradually introduced. The key is to start with low-impact, gentle movements to minimize the risk of exacerbating the condition, gradually increasing intensity under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Get Past Pain and Move With Confidence
Managing a frozen shoulder requires a careful, informed approach to exercise and treatment. At Full Function Rehab & Wellness, we understand the complexities of frozen shoulder and our team of experienced physiotherapists is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that address your specific needs and goals.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let us guide you towards a more active, fulfilling life.
