You may have heard of the term ‘frozen shoulder’ or “frozen shoulder “syndrome”. It may also be referred to as ‘adhesive capsulitis’. It’s a common.
What is a frozen shoulder?
A frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Tissue around the shoulder joint becomes tighter and the amount of synovial fluid reaching the joint becomes restricted. This leads to limited range of motion and increased pain. Interestingly, it only occurs in about 2% of the population, but most commonly affects women between the ages of 40 to 60. In terms of the causes or reasons behind a frozen shoulder, there are several:
- it may happen immediately following an injury or surgery. This is even more so the case if the shoulder is immobilized for a length of time after the injury, for example in a cast for several weeks.
- people with chronic diseases (such as diabetes) are more at risk. Other diseases which increase the risk of a frozen shoulder are cardiac disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson’s disease.1
- postmenopausal women between the ages of 40-60 are also more at risk.
How to cure a frozen shoulder?
There are a few different ways to treat and manage a frozen shoulder, so be sure to read about your options before making the wrong decision.
Hand therapy and physical therapy
Before resorting straight away to surgery, there are several non-surgical treatment options. Hand therapy and physical therapy – such as the hand therapy services offered at Hands On Therapy Services here in Miami – may help to alleviate the pain and improve your range of motion. There are several exercises which can be performed specifically for the purpose of treating a frozen shoulder. Our Miami occupational therapist – Hoang Tran – can create an individualized exercise and treatment program specific to your unique needs and injury.
Pain medications
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used as a non-operative treatment option for a frozen shoulder. They can be used in conjunction with other non-surgical treatment modalities – such as physical therapy – which together can result in better outcomes.
Surgical treatment options
In the event that the non-surgical treatment options do not work, you may want to consider surgical options, such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery, arthroscopic capsular release, capsular distension, and joint MUA1. However, surgical outcomes for frozen shoulder have been mixed, so if non-surgical treatment options can achieve good outcomes, then this modality of treatment is commonly recommended first.
More about frozen shoulders and Hands on Therapy in Miami
Frozen shoulder syndrome is one of many conditions treated at Hands On Therapy Services in Miami, Florida. Hands On Therapy Services is a concierge outpatient rehabilitation clinic offering occupational therapy (OT) and certified hand therapy (CHT) services for all types of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries in the Miami area. Our qualified OT/CHT will provide you with an individualized evaluation, develop your treatment plan, and collaborate with you on your treatment process to reach your goals of a speedy recovery in a cost-effective manner. Our Miami clinic offers an open and friendly environment where you will feel comfortable being treated by an OT/CHT in a one-on-one setting.
Read more about physical therapy, hand therapy, and occupational therapy services provided by Hands on Therapy Services in Miami.
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