Managing Frozen Shoulder with Physiotherapy
Are you struggling with severe shoulder pain and limited movement? You might be dealing with a condition known as frozen shoulder. While the condition can be painful and difficult to live with, physiotherapy for frozen shoulder can help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, develops when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thick and tight. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
While it can be frustrating and painful, the team at MSK Centre offers a solution that targets the problem at its core. Through a series of exercises and manual therapies, our physiotherapists work to stretch and strengthen the shoulder, gradually restoring movement and function.
If you’re experiencing the discomfort of frozen shoulder, keep reading to see if physiotherapy could be the right solution for you.
Understanding The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages, each with its own duration and set of symptoms and duration. Physiotherapy for frozen shoulder can help you manage and, in some cases, shorten these phases.
Freezing Stage (2-9 Months)
- In the freezing stage, you’ll often experience intense shoulder pain and a gradual decrease in range of motion. Movement becomes increasingly difficult. During this time, pain is usually worse at night, and everyday activities, like reaching for objects, become challenging. Physiotherapy focuses on pain relief and maintaining as much movement as possible during this stage.
Frozen Stage (4-6 Months)
- Eventually, the freezing stage will transition into the frozen stage, during which you’ll experience a reduction in pain but an increase in stiffness. Movement is severely limited, and tasks like dressing or grooming become difficult. Physiotherapy during this stage aims to improve shoulder mobility and maintain strength. Stretching and gentle exercises are crucial here.
Thawing Stage (6 Months to 2 Years)
- Finally, your shoulder will begin to “thaw.” In the thawing stage, the shoulder slowly regains its range of motion. Pain continues to decrease, and mobility gradually improves. Physiotherapy is vital in this stage to restore full function and prevent future issues.
Physiotherapy Techniques Used to Treat Frozen Shoulder
Recovery from frozen shoulder varies from person to person. However, with consistent physiotherapy, most people regain their shoulder’s normal function and can return to daily activities without pain.
The team at MSK Centre will work with you to create a customized treatment program based on your symptoms and the current stage you’re experiencing. We’ll pull from several different interventions to find the best ones for your needs, including the following:
- Hands-on manual therapy techniques to mobilize the shoulder joint, improve mobility, and promote blood flow to the area
- Pain-relieving modalities, such as hot or cold therapy or ultrasound therapy, to further help with pain management
- Mobility exercises to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness
- Targeted strengthening exercises to build shoulder strength and support joint function
- Guidance on maintaining proper posture to reduce strain on the shoulder
- A home exercise program to complement in-clinic treatments and help you achieve the best results.
Don’t Suffer Through Frozen Shoulder. Try Physiotherapy!
At MSK Centre, we understand how difficult it is to live with a frozen shoulder. The intense pain and extremely restricted shoulder mobility make even the most basic day-to-day tasks challenging. Fortunately, physiotherapy for frozen shoulder offers several tools and techniques to help you find relief.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment at our Waterloo, ON clinic today!