Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain or stiffness in the shoulder area. Sometimes, this includes loss of motion. This is usually seen in men or women between the ages of 40 and 60. Many times frozen shoulder therapy is used to correct the condition.
Frozen shoulder is caused by a thickening in the cavity around the shoulder joint. This can be caused by an injury to the shoulder (this usually comes from immobilizing the affected area). Symptoms include dull pain or aching when moved and/or stiffness. This pain is located in the outer shoulder area and upper arm.
The three stages of frozen shoulder are – freezing (pain will come on slowly – as the pain increases, loss of motion occurs), frozen (some improvement in pain, but still stiff) and thawing (motion returns slowly).
When diagnosing frozen shoulder, X-rays or MRI’s are used.
This condition will most often get better by itself. When it does not improve, frozen shoulder therapy will be used. This is many times the same as rotator cuff exercises that are used. When pain is involved, anti-inflammatories or heat and nerve blocks may be added to help with the pain.
Surgery is the last step when all other options are exhausted. The surgery will stretch and release the tightness in the cavity of the shoulder. Sometimes, this involves making incisions to the affected area. After surgery, physical therapy is indicated. Recovery usually takes six weeks to three months.
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