Frozen-Shoulder Therapy Alternatives

Frozen shoulder is commonly known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition usually last over two years with symptoms of pain and stiffness in the shoulder joints. The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically begin slowly and become more intense over time. There are several alternatives for therapy to treat this condition.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a form of treatment used to reduce inflammation that causes frozen-shoulder pain. Corticosteroids are another medication that can be used to relieve the onset of severely painful symptoms. This treatment is an injection to the direct location of the shoulder pain and should only be used once. It also works to shorten the duration of the condition.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

• A TENS unit uses electrodes taped to your skin to deliver electrical current to the nerve pathways and stimulate the production of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are pain-inhibiting molecules. This form of treatment is painless and does not harm the body.

Acupuncture and Movement

• Acupuncture, massage and shoulder movement can be used to increase the flow of blood to the area as well as to aid in the breakdown of scar tissue that may cause pain. It is also good to stretch several times a day to balance and stabilize your shoulder muscles. If you are using a shoulder brace or a sling, it may be helpful to perform gentle movement. Slings and braces may worsen your condition, but gentle movements will encourage circulation in the shoulder to prevent stiffness and pain.

Sweating

• Sweating is essential for releasing harmful toxins in your body that may cause pain. Ways to encourage sweat are using a sauna, exercising while wearing layers of clothing, adding cayenne pepper to your diet and drinking tea or another hot beverage in a hot room.

Surgery and Other Procedures

• Distension is a form of treatment makes it easier for the shoulder to move by stretching the tissues in the joint. This is done by injecting sterile water into the capsule of the joint. Shoulder manipulation is a procedure that uses the benefit of an anesthesia to relieve pain and stiffness. After you are given the anesthesia, your doctor will loosen the tightened tissues in your shoulder by moving it. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. This is suggested only after other forms of treatment have not worked. Surgery is done to remove the adhesions and scar tissue that have formed in your shoulder.