Have you recently noticed a limitation in your shoulder’s range of motion? Is raising your arms to put on a shirt or reach for something on a high shelf painful? If this is the case, you may have what is known as “frozen shoulder.”
Frozen shoulder, also known as “adhesive capsulitis,” is an inactivity-related condition that can occur following an injury or in conjunction with another shoulder problem.
When scar tissue forms after a period of inactivity, the shoulder can become stiff or inflamed. The majority of people with frozen shoulders complain of pain, discomfort when moving or using the affected joint, or even complete loss of movement in that shoulder.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, please contact Hand in Hand Rehabilitation right away to learn how our skilled occupational therapists can assist you. Find the relief you deserve today!
What are the different stages of frozen shoulder?
Pre-freezing, freezing, frozen, and thawing are the four stages of frozen shoulders. It is not uncommon for patients to arrive at our occupational therapists in the freezing stage after being in pain for more than a year! These patients are already in excruciating pain and have grown accustomed to being unable to move their shoulders normally.
When you visit our clinic, one of our occupational therapists will assess your condition, determine the source of your pain, review your medical history, and assess your strength and mobility levels during your consultation.
They will also consider any other medical conditions that may be causing your pain, such as diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or a thyroid disorder.
A comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs will then be developed. It will almost certainly include specific stretches, exercises, and best practices to assist you in regaining strength and reducing stiffness.
What exactly causes frozen shoulder?
Many doctors and physical therapists are unsure what causes frozen shoulder, but here are some theories:
- Due to a surgery or an injury.
- Bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, a rotator cuff tear, or any other condition that prevents a person’s shoulder movement.
- Arm immobilization after surgery or fracture, such as in a sling.
- A restricted range of motion can result in the formation of a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulders can also occur as a result of being bedridden for an extended period of time or being unable to get up and move around.
What can you expect from occupational therapy?
Our therapists can’t do much right now to prevent the development of frozen shoulder; however, the sooner you contact us for an evaluation, the sooner we can address your pain symptoms and develop your treatment plan!
The primary goal of frozen shoulder occupational therapy is pain relief, which is achieved through manual therapy, exercises, and at-home treatments. Your therapist’s ultimate goal is to help you complete your daily routine painlessly by restoring mobility and range of motion to the affected shoulder.
Your OT will teach you how to relieve pain with stretching and strengthening exercises, the majority of which you will be able to do at home to help you recover faster.
To avoid developing scar tissue in the shoulder, most occupational therapists advise patients with frozen shoulders to rest frequently in between appointments. If scar tissue forms, the muscles surrounding the shoulder may eventually become frozen.
Discover the benefits of natural pain relief in occupational therapy
If you have recurring or chronic shoulder pain, you should see an OT or hand therapist at our clinic as soon as possible to see if you have frozen shoulder.
Occupational therapy is a natural and risk-free treatment option that can assist patients of all ages in recovering from shoulder injuries and regaining their ability to move safely and independently.
There’s no need to risk the side effects of over-the-counter medications or spend a fortune on an expensive surgery to get rid of shoulder pain.
Contact Hand in Hand Rehabilitation today to learn more about the advantages of occupational and hand therapy for frozen shoulder pain and to begin your journey to pain-free living!
