Frozen Shoulder
Department
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring range of motion, and improving shoulder function. The treatment approach can be divided into non-surgical and surgical options.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications.
- Physical Therapy: This is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. A physical therapist will design a regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to improve shoulder mobility. Gentle, progressive exercises help restore range of motion over time.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and pain, providing relief that facilitates more effective physical therapy. They are typically used in the early stages of treatment.
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the shoulder can help relax the muscles and reduce pain, making it easier to perform physical therapy exercises.
- Hydrodilatation: This procedure involves injecting a large volume of sterile fluid into the joint capsule to expand it and break up adhesions, improving range of motion.
Surgical Treatments:
Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments fail to improve symptoms significantly after several months.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): The patient is put under anesthesia, and the doctor forcefully moves the shoulder to break up scar tissue and adhesions.
- Arthroscopic Capsular Release: This minimally invasive surgery involves cutting through tight portions of the joint capsule using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions.