25 Mar Say Goodbye to Frozen Shoulder: Treatment & Recovery Guide
Frozen shoulder (or adhesive capsulitis) is an inflammatory, painful condition with limited range of movement in the shoulder joint. It can affect daily life and overall health. The good thing is frozen shoulder can be treated and can be managed through physiotherapy. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live well and move well, which is why we offer specific physiotherapy treatments for you right from our capable physiotherapist at Etobicoke SportMed & Physiotherapy.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, or “frozen shoulder,” results when the connective tissues around the shoulder joint become inflamed and stiff. The affliction is typically insidious and unfolds in three phases — freezing, frozen and thawing. Each of the phases has its symptoms and challenges:
Freezing Stage: Pain and stiffness increase, limiting shoulder movement.
Frozen Stage: Pain can decrease, but stiffness remains, significantly restricting the range of motion.
Thawing Stage: Range of motion slowly returns and pain diminishes.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. Some of the techniques used by physiotherapists to reduce stiffness, pain, and restore shoulder function, include:
Pain and Inflammation Management: Techniques such as ultrasound, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Manual Therapy: Joint mobilization and soft tissue massage techniques enhance joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Stretching Exercises: A guided program of stretching will help restore the range of motion of the shoulder. Physiotherapists create individualized stretching plans tailored to each patient.
- Strengthening Activities: With improved mobility, you will start to perform strengthening activities to build muscle support around your shoulder joint.
- Patient Education: Physiotherapists also educate patients about their condition, guide on the right posture, and prescribe home exercises to help maintain progress and prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder
- Non-Invasive Approach: Physiotherapy provides a safe, non-surgical solution for frozen shoulder with fewer side effects and risks.
- Personalized Care: Every patient receives a treatment plan that caters to his or her individual needs and objectives for recovery.
- Improved Mobility: Regular physiotherapy sessions help restore shoulder motion and function.
- Pain Relief: Physiotherapy techniques in frozen shoulder decreases pain considerably.
Conclusion
If you are in need of physiotherapy, we welcome you to come to Etobicoke SportMed & Physiotherapy, where our well-trained physiotherapists will take care of you.