Frozen Shoulder Treatment
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Frozen shoulders, a prevalent issue in today's world, can be better understood by delving into shoulder anatomy, the causes behind their occurrence, and the available frozen shoulder treatment options. The shoulder joint is a complex and flexible structure that enables a wide range of motion. It comprises several bones, including the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). Supporting this joint are muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which collaborate to provide stability and facilitate movement.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a medical condition that manifests as pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It typically advances through three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
In the freezing stage, the shoulder experiences escalating pain, and movement becomes increasingly restricted. As the condition progresses to the frozen stage, the intensity of pain may subside, but the shoulder remains stiff, severely limiting its range of motion. Finally, in the thawing stage, the shoulder gradually regains its mobility as the stiffness diminishes.
Frozen Shoulder Causes
While the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not fully understood, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing this condition. When seeking a frozen shoulder treatment, it is crucial to take these factors into consideration:
- Age: Frozen shoulder is more prevalent in individuals within the age range of 40 to 60 years.
- Gender: Women are more susceptible to developing frozen shoulders compared to men.
- Specific medical conditions: Individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- Shoulder injury or surgery: Previous shoulder injuries or surgical procedures can increase the likelihood of developing a frozen shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder presents with distinct symptoms, although their severity can vary from person to person. The typical symptoms include:
- Pain: Continuous pain experienced in the shoulder joint, especially during movement.
- Stiffness: Progressive reduction in the range of motion of the shoulder, leading to difficulty in performing daily activities.
- Sleep disturbances: Discomfort and pain can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position.
- Restricted mobility: Difficulty in reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body due to limited shoulder mobility.
Frozen Shoulder Treatments
The treatment of a frozen shoulder usually involves a blend of non-surgical interventions and, in more severe cases, surgical options. Here is a breakdown of the treatment process:
- Physical therapy: Gentle exercises and stretching are employed to enhance the range of motion and alleviate pain.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to manage pain.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections administered directly into the shoulder joint can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Manipulation under anesthesia: In some instances, healthcare professionals may perform manipulations of the shoulder joint while the patient is under anaesthesia to improve mobility.
- Surgical intervention: When conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgical options like shoulder arthroscopy or manipulation may be considered.
Sports Massage Therapy as Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Apart from conventional treatment methods, sports massage therapy can serve as a valuable complementary therapy for frozen shoulders. Sports massage therapists are skilled in techniques that focus on specific muscles and soft tissues, with the goal of reducing pain, and inflammation, and improving range of motion. Some benefits of sports massage therapy for frozen shoulder include:
- Improved blood circulation to the affected area, facilitating healing and alleviating pain.
- Relaxation of tight muscles and release of muscle tension, leading to improved mobility.
- Breakdown of adhesions and scar tissue that may be contributing to the restricted range of motion.
- Enhanced lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and facilitating a faster recovery.
If you are in search of an effective frozen shoulder treatment, we invite you to visit our Sports Massage Clinic. Our team of experienced sports massage therapists specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder. We are committed to providing personalized treatment plans that are tailored to meet your individual needs.
To find out more about our clinic and the range of services we offer, we encourage you to visit our website. Our goal is to assist you in reclaiming pain-free movement and restoring optimal function to your shoulder joint. Take the first step towards recovery by contacting our Sports Massage Clinic today.
