As we age, we may notice that our limbs are no longer as flexible as they once were. For example, you may find it difficult to put on clothes in the morning even though your body hasn’t changed much. This could very well be caused by frozen shoulder. Here, the physical therapists at OneEssential share the best treatment methods for frozen shoulder, and how you can effectively prevent it from recurring after recovery!
Treatment Methods for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can be treated in many ways. Below are some common treatments and their goals:
Pain Relief Medications
Medications aim to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Common medications include:
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen to reduce inflammation.
- Painkillers: Like Tylenol, these medications are prescribed to alleviate pain, especially at night to help with sleep.
- Oral Steroids: Drugs like prednisone are used to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects in certain cases.
Steroid Injections
There are many types of injections used to treat frozen shoulder, with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory injections being the most common. However, these injections only provide temporary pain relief, and cannot cure frozen shoulder by themselves. Typically, patients receiving injections will also need physical therapy to complete their recovery process.
Best Treatment for Frozen Shoulder: Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. At OneEssential, our physical therapists tailor treatment plans depending on the patient’s stage of the condition. We use various methods to reduce pain and restore mobility, such as:
- Shockwave Therapy: Uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue repair, commonly used for chronic pain.
- High-Energy Laser Therapy: Accelerates tissue healing and reduces inflammation and pain, suitable for both acute and chronic injuries.
- Manual Therapy: Utilizes professional hands-on techniques to improve shoulder joint mobility and reduce muscle pain.
- Dry Needling: Similar to acupuncture, this therapy targets trigger points to relieve muscle tightness and improve shoulder mobility.
- Rehabilitation Stretching Exercises: Customized exercise plans to strengthen muscles and prevent the recurrence of frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder can have a long course, lasting up to 1.5 years, and it typically goes through three stages. You can seek physical therapy at any of these stages. We will conduct a thorough 1-on-1 consultation to determine which stage you’re in and design a treatment plan tailored to your condition:
- Pain Phase: Focus on acupuncture, instrumentation, and manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stiffness Phase: Emphasis on manual therapy and exercises to maintain range of motion and muscle mass, preventing joint degeneration, and improving daily living abilities. Continue pain and inflammation management.
- Thawing Phase: By this stage, mobility is usually limited, so therapy focuses on stretching and strength training to restore full mobility.
OneEssential teaches you how to perform rehabilitation exercises for the shoulder.
How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder Recurrence After Recovery
After successfully recovering from frozen shoulder, it’s crucial to implement lifestyle changes and habits to prevent future issues. Here are some tips for daily living:
Establish Healthy Sleep Habits
Quality sleep is key to managing frozen shoulder. Sleep helps regulate pain and reduces inflammation. Studies show that lack of sleep can increase IL-6 (a cytokine involved in inflammation), which exacerbates shoulder pain. Proper sleep can help lower IL-6 levels and reduce the likelihood of frozen shoulder recurring.
Improve Your Work Environment and Posture
Long periods of sitting or repetitive movements can cause chronic shoulder strain. Here are some posture tips:
- Keep shoulders relaxed: Whether sitting or standing, avoid shrugging your shoulders or slouching.
- Adjust chair height: When sitting at a desk for long periods, ensure your chair is at the right height so that your arms rest naturally on the desk, preventing shoulder strain.
- Take breaks: If you must maintain a posture for a long time, regularly stand up and stretch to avoid stiffness.
Reduce Overuse of Shoulders
Overuse, especially from repetitive motions like lifting heavy objects or intense physical activity, can increase the risk of frozen shoulder. Here’s what you can do to prevent it:
- Avoid overloading: If your work or exercise involves shoulder movements, control the weight you’re carrying. Too much weight adds pressure on the shoulder and can trigger frozen shoulder.
- Gradually increase exercise intensity: When training your shoulders, increase the intensity and weight gradually, allowing the shoulder to adapt over time.
Regular exercise
Contrary to popular belief, rest alone isn’t enough after an injury. The right type of exercise, such as aerobic workouts, can significantly alleviate frozen shoulder pain. Studies show that aerobic exercise releases natural opioids and β-endorphins, providing pain relief.
Frozen shoulder is a long-term condition, but with the right treatment and preventative measures, it can be managed effectively. Having a professional and attentive physical therapist guide you through the process is essential. OneEssential offers comprehensive treatment for frozen shoulder, including integrated rehabilitation services and a preventive plan to keep your shoulders healthy. Book a consultation with us today!