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Last Updated: Dec 28, 2019
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Frozen shoulder!
Dr. Rita AwanaPhysiotherapist • 17 Years Exp.FSS, BPTh/BPT, PGDDCN(Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition)
Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness of the shoulder which usually resolves spontaneously after about 18 months.
There are three phases that the condition will pass through;
A freezing phase where the joint tightens up, a stiff phase where the movement in the shoulder is significantly reduced and a thawing phase where the pain gradually reduces and mobility increases.
Clinical features
- Age - 40 - 60 yrs
- History of trauma, often trivial followed by aching in the arm and shoulder.
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Wasting
Cardinal features: stubborn lack of active and passive movements of shoulder in all directions.
Treatment:
- One should seek proffessional advise before attempting any frozen shoulder rehab.
- Treatment is divided into two modes: conservative. And surgical.
- Conservative treatment: physiotherapy plays an important role in the prevention as well as resolution of this condition. It aims to releive pain and prevent further stiffening with:
- Rest
- Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs
- Electrotherapy - ultrasound, tens & laser treatment may also help reduce pain and inflammation.
Therapeutic exercises
1 Pendulum exercise
2 Wand exercises
3 Therapist assisted mobilizations
4 Stretches -
- Shoulder flexion stretch
- External rotation stretch
- Chest stretch
- Posterior shoulder stretch
5 Strengthening exercises
- Isometrics shoulder exercises
- Postural exercises - scapular squeezes
6 Taping
- Surgery
- Surgery is the last resort if normal treatment has failed.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
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