Frozen Shoulder - How Physiotherapy Can Help?

Frozen shoulder has 3 stages- freezing, frozen and thawing. The first stage involves pain along with the loss of range of motion. This is also known as the RED phase. The second stage witnesses a loss of pain with little loss in the range of motion, this stage is known as the pink phase. Known as the white phase, the third stage involves the gradual return of range of motion. Each step can last around 6-8 months when the condition goes untreated. A surgery might be necessary for a permanent cure.

Prior heating of the joint has been found to be aiding mobilization and relaxation. Heat modality techniques have been effectively used to facilitate recovery. Apart from deep heating, ultrasound has been found extremely effective in increasing the excitability of the contracted tissue. This is therefore performed for relaxation. Relaxation techniques should only be performed by qualified and well-trained physiotherapists to avoid any mishaps.

Rotational exercises should only be performed once the shoulder starts to heal and the soft tissue starts stretching. Rotation exercises should be performed with the help of an exercise rubber band. Each exercise should be done in a set of 5 in 3 cycles for not more than 5-10 minutes. It should be performed only once in a day. Inward rotation exercise can be done with the affected hand to ensure a quick recovery.

Pendulum stretch helps in the strengthening of shoulders. This exercise should be done with the support of a railing or table. Towel stretch is done by placing the towel on the back of the hand while ensuring both the hands are used to stretch the towel from the back. Cross-body stretch is again a shoulder stretching exercise that can be done while sitting or standing. All exercises related to the shoulder should be performed under the proper guidance of a physiotherapist.