Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition where one has to suffer from a stiff and painful shoulder, which cannot easily move in all directions. An extremely restrictive and debilitating condition, frozen shoulder s self-limiting pain can be treated without using any surgical intervention. Dr. Suparna Tandon (PT), Senior Physiotherapist, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi helps us in understanding frozen shoulder in a detailed manner and what exactly we can do to get respite from it.
Defining Frozen Shoulder
Idiopathic frozen shoulder disorder, which is also called adhesive capsulitis or periarthritis, is characterised by the development of dense adhesions and capsular restrictions, rather than arthritic changes in the cartilage and bone, as seen with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Read more about How can frozen shoulder be treated?
Night pain and disturbed sleep during acute flares
Pain on movement and often at rest during acute flares
Decreased joint play and Range of Motion (limiting external rotation and abduction, with some internal rotation and flexion).
Decreased arm swing during gait
General muscle weakness and poor endurance in glenohumeral muscles with overuse of the scapular muscles leading to pain in the trapezius and posterior cervical muscles.
Common Functional Limitations:
You may like to read
Inability to reach overhead, behind head, out to side and behind back; thus having difficulty with dressing (such as putting on a jacket or coat or women fastening undergarments behind their back), with reaching hand into back pocket of pants (to retrieve wallet), with self grooming (such as combing hair, brushing teeth, washing face), and with bringing eating utensils to the mouth.
Difficulty lifting weighted objects, such as dishes into a cupboard
People with history of trauma or immobilization (fracture, soft tissue injury, etc)
Restricted range of motion (limited arm movement), due to rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
People with rotator cuff degeneration.
Top Physiotherapy exercises to treat frozen shoulder
Pendulum exercises: This exercise uses a technique that effects of gravity to distract the humerus from glenoid fossa. They help relieve pain through gentle traction and oscillating movements. To perform this exercise, relax your shoulders. Stand and lean over slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang down. Swing the arm in a small circle. Perform 10 revolutions in each direction.
Towel stretch: Stretching exercise to increase range of motion. Take a long towel, hold in one hand and drape it over your shoulder and down your back. Reach behind your back with the other hand and grip the towel. Gently pull the towel up and allow your hand behind your back to move across and up your back. A gentle stretch should be felt in the front or side of your shoulder. Do 10 reps.
Armpit Stretch: Using your good arm, lift the affected arm onto a shelf about breast- high. Gently bend your knees, opening the armpit. Deepen your knee bend slightly, gently stretching the armpit, and then straighten. With each knee bend, stretch a little further, but don t force it. Do 10-15 reps.
Cross-body reach: Use your good arm to lift your affected arm at the elbow, and bring it up and across your body, exerting gentle pressure to stretch the shoulder. Hold the stretch for 30 sec. 5 to 10 reps.
Outward and Inward rotation: Use a Thera-band or stretch band to work on your rotator cuff muscles. Tie the band to a piece of furniture or door knob. Keep your elbow at 90-degree angle close to your side. Rotate arm outward (10 reps) and then inwards (10 reps).
Physiotherapist often make use of heat, which is applied prior to exercise, especially mobilization of the joint by the physiotherapist to increase circulation and to allow better stretching. Ice packs are used to counter post exercise soreness. Here are 4 home exercises to ease shoulder pain and improve mobility
Note: Do note there are many other exercises which can benefit a patient with Frozen shoulder like joint mobilization techniques and specific strengthening exercises. Patients are advised to get a detailed examination by a qualified physiotherapist and get a personalized program designed.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
