Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, can be painful and limiting. The good news is that many non-surgical treatments may help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and restore function. Below is information on some treatments and how they can aid your recovery.
What Are the Most Common Non-Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder?
Treating frozen shoulder without surgery often involves a mix of therapies focusing on reducing pain and improving range of motion. Here are the most common approaches:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through targeted exercises to gently stretch and strengthen your shoulder. This can help restore mobility over time, but consistency is key.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and relieve pain. When combined with other treatments like physical therapy, they can enhance your progress.
- Medications for Pain Relief: Over-the-counter options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or physician-prescribed medications can help manage pain during your recovery.
- Hydrodilatation: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve movement.
Is Heat or Cold Therapy Better for Managing Frozen Shoulder Symptoms?
Both heat and cold therapies can be effective for managing a frozen shoulder, but they work in different ways depending on your symptoms. Cold therapy is particularly useful if your shoulder is inflamed or swollen. Applying a cold pack to the affected area may help reduce swelling and numb the pain, making it more manageable. For best results, it’s recommended to use cold therapy in short intervals, typically 10–15 minutes at a time, allowing your shoulder to rest in between applications.
Heat therapy is ideal for addressing stiffness, another common symptom of frozen shoulder. Using a heating pad or a warm towel can help relax and loosen the joint, making movement easier and less painful. Heat therapy is especially helpful when used before stretching or exercising, as it can prepare the muscles and joints for activity. By alternating between heat and cold therapies, you can take a balanced approach to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility, depending on what your shoulder needs at any given time.
What Role Does At-Home Exercise Play in Frozen Shoulder Recovery?
Incorporating simple yet effective movements into your routine can make a significant difference over time. One beneficial at-home exercise is the pendulum stretch, where you lean forward slightly and gently swing your arm in small, controlled circles. Begin with minimal movement and gradually increase the range of motion as your shoulder or arm becomes more mobile. Another useful addition is the finger climb. In this exercise, you walk your fingers up a wall as high as you can go comfortably, then slowly guide them back down.
A cross-body stretch is also an excellent way to enhance flexibility. To perform this stretch, use your unaffected arm to gently pull the affected arm across your body, holding the position for 10 to 15 seconds before releasing. These exercises should be performed daily to see steady progress, but listen to your body throughout the process. If any movement causes sharp pain, it’s best to stop and allow your body to rest. Over time, these exercises can help restore mobility and strength, allowing for a greater range of movement and improved physical comfort.
Consult a Specialist
If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, you don’t have to go through it alone. While these non-surgical treatments can be highly effective, consulting a specialist helps you know you’re on the right path for your individual condition. Take the first step toward relief today. Schedule a consultation with a specialist and regain control of your shoulder health!