Three Exercises for Loosening Tight or Rigid Shoulders
Frozen Shoulder: Understanding and Managing This Common Condition
Stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the shoulder, is a common occurrence, often due to prolonged inactivity or waking up after a night's sleep. However, when this stiffness persists, it could be a sign of a more serious condition called frozen shoulder.
Cleveland Clinic, a noted non-profit academic medical center, sheds light on this condition. Known medically as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder occurs when the range of motion in the shoulder is limited while experiencing discomfort that can impact daily activities.
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and affects about 3% to 5% of the population. Orthopaedic sports medicine specialist Vikas Patel, DO, elucidates that the condition can be linked to surgeries requiring arm immobilization, sling use, or rotator cuff injuries. Diabetes is also a risk factor for developing frozen shoulder.
While frozen shoulder can be inconvenient, treatment options are available to help regain mobility. Physical therapy is one of the most common treatments. A physical therapist can help loosen the shoulder capsule, a flexible sac around the shoulder joint that shrinks during frozen shoulder. They guide the patient through passive range of motion exercises designed to open up the capsule.
Regular physical therapy sessions not only help in healing but also contribute to establishing a consistent exercise regimen. Simple exercises like towel stretches, pendulum exercises, and climbing a wall can be done at home to aid in recovery.
Dr. Patel underscores the importance of remaining diligent with these exercises, emphasizing that they should not be limited to physical therapy sessions but continued at home as well. While the pain may subside sooner, restoring full range of motion might take longer.
Treatment for frozen shoulder can take anywhere from several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's diligence in following the treatment plan. Early intervention and consistent adherence to the treatment plan are vital for optimal results.
Physical therapy, self-directed exercises, medications for pain and inflammation management, heat and cold therapy, acupuncture, hydrodilatation (in stubborn cases), and arthroscopic capsular release (rarely required) are among the common treatment options for frozen shoulder.
In conclusion, frozen shoulder can be managed with a combination of medical interventions, physical therapy, and self-care strategies. Early recognition and consistent treatment can significantly accelerate the recovery process, leading to improved mobility and reduced discomfort.
Healthy shoulder mobility is crucial for daily activities, and physical therapy plays a significant role in managing frozen shoulder, a condition often associated with reduced range of motion and discomfort. Science reveals that diabetes and certain surgeries can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder, making health-and-wellness activities and fitness-and-exercise regimens crucial for prevention.
