Frozen Shoulder – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
To find out if someone has adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), a health care provider looks for signs like shoulder pain, stiffness, or loss of motion.
The doctor often asks the person to move their arm to see how much they can move it on their own (active range of motion). Then, the doctor supports the arm and checks movement (passive range of motion).
Tests sometimes used include:
- X-rays: Rule out fractures or arthritis.
- MRI: Check soft tissues for injury or inflammation.
The doctor may also consider other conditions that limit shoulder movement, like contracture or hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Medicines for Pain and Swelling
People can often manage shoulder pain with over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs help ease discomfort and swelling.
If the pain is very strong, a doctor might recommend prescription medications for better relief. Always use medicine as directed by a healthcare provider.
Exercise and Movement Practices
Physical therapy helps with recovery. A therapist shows gentle movements and stretches to help the shoulder regain flexibility.
Following these exercises at home is important for good results. Regular practice usually restores more shoulder motion over time.
Key therapy tips:
- Stick to the schedule set by your therapist.
- Start with light exercises and increase as advised.
- Use a warm towel before exercises to loosen the joint.
Advanced Techniques and Surgery
If symptoms do not improve, doctors may try other steps:
| Procedure | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid Shots | Reduce swelling | Doctors inject corticosteroids into the joint to lessen pain and improve movement, especially when given early. |
| Hydrodilatation | Stretch the joint | Doctors inject sterile fluid to gently expand and stretch tight tissues. This may be done with a steroid shot. |
| Joint Manipulation | Free tight tissue | Under general anesthesia, the doctor carefully moves the shoulder to help loosen it. |
| Minimally Invasive Surgery | Remove scar tissue | Surgeons use small cuts and tools guided by a camera (arthroscopic capsular release) to clear out thickened tissue. |
Doctors usually reserve these steps for severe cases or when other treatments have not worked.
Everyday Care and Home Tips
People should keep moving the shoulder and arm within their comfort zone.
Using heat or cold packs may ease soreness. Gentle exercises or simple stretches can help maintain some motion.
Complementary Therapies
Needle-Based Therapy
Practitioners place fine, flexible needles at chosen spots across the body. These needles usually stay in for about 15 to 40 minutes and are not inserted deeply.
Most people report little to no pain during the process. Sessions are typically safe and can be adjusted for comfort.
Electrical Nerve Techniques
Electrical nerve techniques, such as using a TENS unit, apply mild electrical currents through patches attached to the skin. These currents target specific nerve pathways.
This method might help by stopping pain signals or causing the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take
Before the appointment, write down all symptoms and when they started.
Gather details about your past health problems and any that run in your family. Make a list of every medicine and supplement you take.
Bring any questions you want to discuss with the doctor, such as treatment options or next steps.
Checklist:
- Description of symptoms
- Family and personal health history
- List of medications and supplements
- Prepared questions
How the Doctor May Assess
The doctor may ask questions to better understand the problem.
They might ask what makes the symptoms worse. You may be asked about past shoulder injuries or other health conditions like diabetes.
The doctor may also want to know if you had recent surgeries or times when you had to keep your shoulder still.
