Have you recently noticed that your shoulder’s range of motion is restricted? Is it painful to raise your arms to put on a shirt or reach for something on a high shelf? If this is the case, you may be suffering from a condition known as “frozen shoulder.”
Frozen shoulder, also known as “adhesive capsulitis,” is a condition caused by inactivity that can occur after an injury or in conjunction with another shoulder problem.
The shoulder can become stiff or inflamed when scar tissue forms after a period of inactivity. The majority of people who suffer from frozen shoulders report pain, discomfort when moving or using the affected joint, or even complete loss of movement in that shoulder.
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or discomfort, contact Hand in Hand Rehabilitation, OT, PC right away to find out how our skilled occupational therapists can help you get the relief you deserve.
What are the stages of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulders progress through four stages: pre-freezing, freezing, frozen, and thawing. It’s not uncommon for patients to come to see our occupational therapists in the freezing stage after they’ve been in pain for a little more than a year or 9 months! These patients are already in a lot of pain and have grown accustomed to not being able to move their shoulders normally.
During your consultation, 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.
They will also take into account any other conditions that may be causing your pain, such as diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or a thyroid disorder.
Following that, a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs will be developed. It will almost certainly include targeted stretches, exercises, and best practices to help you regain strength and reduce stiffness and pain.
What causes frozen shoulder?
Many doctors and physical therapists aren’t sure what causes frozen shoulder, but here are a few possibilities:
- As a result of surgery or an injury.
- Bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, a rotator cuff tear, or any other condition causing a person’s shoulder movement to stop.
- Arm immobilization, such as in a sling, following surgery or fracture.
A restricted range of motion can lead to the development of a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulders can also occur as a result of being bedridden or unable to get up and move around for an extended period of time.
What to expect in occupational therapy
There isn’t much our therapists can do right now to prevent the development of frozen shoulder; however, the sooner you contact our office for an evaluation, the sooner we can address your pain symptoms and create your treatment plan!
The primary goal of occupational therapy for frozen shoulders is pain relief, which is accomplished through the use of manual therapy, exercises, and at-home treatments. The ultimate goal of your therapist is to restore mobility and range of motion to the affected shoulder and to help you complete your daily routine painlessly.
Your OT will teach you how to relieve pain with stretching techniques and strengthening exercises, the majority of which you will be able to do at home to expedite your recovery.
Most occupational therapists advise patients with frozen shoulders to rest frequently in between appointments to avoid developing scar tissue in the shoulder. If scar tissue does form, the muscles surrounding the shoulder may eventually freeze up as well.
Uncover natural pain relief in occupational therapy
If you have recurring or chronic pain, it is critical that you consult with an OT or hand therapist at our clinic as soon as possible to determine if you have a frozen shoulder.
Occupational therapy is a natural and safe treatment option that can help patients of all ages recover from injuries and regain their ability to move safely and independently.
There’s no reason to risk the side effects of over-the-counter medications or spend a fortune on a costly surgery to get relief from shoulder pain.
Contact Hand in Hand Rehabilitation, OT, PC today to learn more about the benefits of occupational and hand therapy for frozen shoulder pain and to get started on the road to pain-free living!
