What you need to know about Frozen Shoulder and how it is treated

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen Shoulder, is a disorder of the shoulder in which the capsule surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and stiff. As the condition worsens range of motion of the shoulder is severely reduced. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. However, there are a number of risk factors for this problem including diabetes, stroke, trauma, lung disease, connective tissue disorders and heart disease. Frozen shoulder usually occurs in 3 phases:

1. The Freezing Phase: This is the most painful stage. Pain occurs with any movement and there is a gradual reduction in range of motion.
2. The Frozen Stage: During this stage the pain in the shoulder gradually decreases. However, the shoulder is extremely stiff during this stage.
3. The Thawing Stage: During this stage range of motion of the shoulder gradually returns to normal.
People with Frozen Shouler typically lift the entire shoulder girdle when attempting to lift the shoulder.

Each stage can last months and full resolution can take over a year.
What is The Best Treatment For Adhesive Capsulitis?
Physical therapy can be very effective in decreasing the duration of frozen shoulder as well as improving function during this period. However, it is important that the physical therapist use effective treatment techniques. A recent study in the Physical Therapy Journal examined the records of 2,370 patients (That’s alot of patients!) with adhesive capsulitis to see which treatments were effective in decreasing pain and improving function and which treatments were not effective.
The treatments that increased the likelihood of pain reduction and improved function were:
1.Joint mobilization performed by a licensed physical therapist.
2. Exercise
The treatments that decreased the likelihood of pain reduction and improved function were:
1.Ultrasound
2.Massage
3.Iontophoresis (Delivery of steroid with electrical stimulation)
4.Phonophoresis (Delivery of steroid with ultrasound)