Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder usually occurs after a person injures the shoulder and does not move it for a period of time because of pain.

When the shoulder is immobilized by pain, physical changes take place within the shoulder joint. Adhesions, or abnormal bands of tissue, grow between the bones of the shoulder joint and severely limit movement. In addition, the normal synovial fluid found in the shoulder joint begins to disappear, causing further pain and restricted motion.

Treatment
Stretching exercises are often prescribed to loosen the joint.

A doctor may inject the shoulder with cortisone or a long acting anesthetic. This can decrease some of the pain and allow the patient to stretch the shoulder more effectively. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can decrease inflammation and pain.

Physiotherapy can be helpful to increase the range of motion in the joint. Manipulation of the shoulder under anesthesia, also known as arthroscopic capsular release, may be required if exercises and medications are unsuccessful.

For more information please call 020 8455 7809 or email us on info@igophysio.co.uk

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