Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop gradually and can last for several months or even years. The three stages of frozen shoulder are:
- Freezing stage: Pain gradually increases and the shoulder becomes stiff, making it difficult to move.
- Frozen stage: Pain may begin to diminish, but the shoulder remains stiff and movement is still limited.
- Thawing stage: The shoulder gradually regains mobility and pain subsides.
If you notice symptoms of frozen shoulder, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other treatments to help manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to the shoulder joint.
Precautions, Exercise, and Treatment
There are several precautions, exercises, and treatments that can help manage the symptoms of frozen shoulder:
- Precautions: Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort in the shoulder. Use proper posture and body mechanics to avoid further strain on the shoulder joint.
- Exercise: Physical therapy exercises can help improve range of motion and reduce pain in the shoulder joint. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.
- Treatment: Your doctor may recommend medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of frozen shoulder.