Frozen shoulder medical treatment can address stiffness, pain, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. This condition occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thick, and tight. This leads to extreme stiffness and pain.
Restoring movement and enhancing quality of life are the goals of effective treatment for frozen shoulder. This article will explore medical treatment options available to help manage and reduce its symptoms.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Before exploring treatment options, it is helpful to understand frozen shoulder. It typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain increases, and movement becomes more limited over approximately 5 months on average.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness is at its peak, severely restricting motion for up to a year.
- Thawing Stage: Movement gradually improves as the condition resolves, which may take up to two years.
Frozen shoulder often happens after an injury, surgery, or keeping the shoulder still for a long time.
It is most common in people ages 40 to 60 and is more likely to affect those with certain health conditions, like diabetes.
Frozen Shoulder Medical Treatment Options
Treating frozen shoulder requires a tailored approach, as not all methods work for everyone. Here are the most effective options for frozen shoulder treatment:
1. Physical Therapy and Stretching Exercises
One useful treatment for frozen shoulder problems is physical therapy. A trained physical therapist creates a plan to help your shoulder move better and feel less stiff. This plan may include:
Stretching Exercises
These stretches help loosen the shoulder and make it more flexible.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening your shoulder muscles restores strength you may have lost due to disuse and can reduce pain.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
These exercises help your shoulder move better without causing pain.
Sticking to physical therapy regularly can make a big difference over time. It is important to do these exercises often and stay patient, as recovery from frozen shoulder takes time.
2. Medications
Medications are important for reducing pain and swelling caused by frozen shoulder. Common options include:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen help lower swelling and ease pain. Always use these medications with your doctor’s guidance to avoid side effects or problems.
Prescription Pain Relievers
If the pain is very bad, your doctor might give you stronger medicine.
Corticosteroid Injections
These are shots given directly into the shoulder to reduce swelling and help the shoulder move better.
3. Hydrodilatation
Hydrodilatation is a simple procedure used to treat frozen shoulder. A doctor injects a mix of fluids, like saline, corticosteroids, and numbing medicine, into the shoulder joint.
This fluid stretches the joint and helps loosen tight areas. It can make it easier to move the shoulder. Many individuals feel relief and notice better movement soon after the procedure.
4. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)
MUA is used for very stiff shoulders that do not get better with other treatments. During this procedure, a surgeon moves the shoulder through its full range of motion. They do this while the patient is asleep under anesthesia.
This movement stretches and loosens the areas that make the shoulder tight. This method can work well, but has some risks, like broken bones or soft tissue injuries. Because of this, it is only done for more serious cases.
5. Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat frozen shoulder. It is usually suggested for people who do not improve with other treatments.
During this procedure, a surgeon makes tiny cuts. Then, they use a small camera and tools to look inside the shoulder. The surgeon finds and removes scar tissue or tight areas that cause stiffness.
An arthroscopy typically results in a quicker recovery than open surgery. It is still important to undergo physical therapy for the best results.
6. Home Remedies and Self-Care
Alongside medical treatments, certain home remedies and self-care strategies can aid recovery. These may include:
Heat Therapy
Applying heat packs to the shoulder reduces stiffness and improves blood flow.
Gentle Movements
Keep the shoulder moving within a comfortable range to prevent further stiffness.
Ergonomic Adjustments
Adjust your home or work environment to prevent straining the injured shoulder.
These techniques will not cure frozen shoulder entirely. However, they can enhance comfort and complement more intensive medical interventions.
7. Time and Observation
Although it can take months or even years to fully recover, frozen shoulder usually goes away on its own with time.
For some individuals, observation and allowing the condition to run its course may be a viable management approach. However, this is not ideal for everyone, especially those experiencing severe pain or limited function.
So, what treatment should you choose? The response will be based on your needs and goals. Your orthopedic physician can assist in determining the best course of action for treating your frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Medical Treatment in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Pasadena, & Westminster, MD
Frozen shoulder can make daily life difficult, but there are treatments to help you move your shoulder again and feel less pain. Options include physical therapy, medications, and surgery, depending on your needs and recovery goals.
Are you looking for expert care for your frozen shoulder? Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder’s team of specialists have lots of experience treating frozen shoulder and provide personalized care to help you. Call us today at (410) 296-6232 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation with our skilled team. Start your recovery and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
We look forward to serving you!
