The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Three stages of adhesive capsulitis, have been described:
- Early Warning: Patients experience sharp pain at the end of range of motion, achy pain at rest and sleep disturbance due to pain. Restriction of external rotation is the hallmark sign of adhesive capsulitis. This may happen up to 3 months before the onset of the pathology
- Stage One - Freezing stage: Patients experience gradual loss of motion in all directions due to pain. It is the painful stage of the disease. This stage may last up to 6 months.
- Stage Two - Frozen stage: Patients experience less pain but greater loss of motion. This stage may last up to 6 months.
- Stage Three - Thawing stage: At this stage the pain begins to resolve, and the patients may gain back some of the lost range of motion. It lasts up to 9 months. Although the condition usually lasts up to 24 months in total, several patients experince pain for years to come, and disabling motion for years to come.
Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, research has shown certain risk factors that can increase likelihood of developing the condition:
- Age between 40 and 65
- Female gender
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Stroke or other neurological conditions
- Having had a shoulder injury or surgery
- Having a family history of frozen shoulder
How can Online Physical Therapy Help with Frozen Shoulder?
During the online session you will be assessed by the Physical Therapist so that you will understand the cause of your pain and the severity of your condition. You will be given a rehabilitation plan that will include exercises and self mobilization technics. Your plan will be in a platform where you can access whenever needed. The physiotherapist will be available for further sessions in order to supervise your plan.
Practical Advice
If you have frozen shoulder, making sure you continue to move your shoulder the proper amount is key to your recovery. There are a number of treatment options —joint mobilization or manipulation, exercise and heat, among them—to help speed up your healing. Your physical therapist can help you better understand the condition and, after a thorough evaluation, customize a treatment program that will include exercises for you to perform at home to decrease the pain and improve the motion and function of your shoulder.
Did you have a surgery for Frozen Shoulder?
OnlinePhysical Therapy can help you maximize the benefits of a surgery. Together with Physical Therapist Mr. Danalis you will customise your rehabilitaion, so that post-surgery pain is addressed quickly. By performing specific exercises your hand and arm will be strong with full range of motion once again.
If you are experiencing a frozen shoulder Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.