What is Frozen Shoulder?
Adhesive Capsulitis, or “Frozen Shoulder” is a condition in which the shoulder and the surrounding tissues thickens, which ultimately leads to:
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Inability to move one’s arm
Frozen shoulder often prevents you from doing everyday activities or the things you love to do.
How Does Frozen Shoulder Occur?
Generally it occurs as a result of another injury. For instance, let’s say you injured your arm playing with your kids or grandkids. You felt something “funky”, had a little pain but just left it be. As the weeks continued, you stopped using that arm because it “hurt a little” and now you can’t move it more than 6 inches away from your body.
Signs and Symptoms
The main symptom associate with this problem is limited motion and stiffness. Patients also experience a dull ache that can last all day, or sever pain when the arm is moved.
Can Frozen Shoulder be Treated?
ABSOLUTELY! Physical therapy is the primary treatment for frozen shoulder, as it focuses on regaining normal range of motion and flexibility. Initially, PT is used to decrease the pain and work on regaining your normal ranges of motion through the shoulder joint. Once motion has been regained, strength training begins to help the patient return back to their everyday activities such as:
- Reaching into cabinets
- Loading the dishwasher
- Playing tennis
- Playing with your kids or grandkids
- Exercising
Don’t let this keep you from doing what you need and want to do!
By Cierra Washington, ATC
