|  | Conditions Treatments | Bones, Joints Muscles

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can cause pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder occurs most often after a trauma to the shoulder or after shoulder surgery. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a physician to discuss the treatment options.

  1. Medication

    • The first treatment for a frozen shoulder is to reduce pain. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen relieves the swelling in the shoulder joint. For severe pain, the doctor may prescribe pain medication. You should take any medication on a regular basis for it to be effective, rather than only when you feel pain. You should not take anti-inflammatory medications if you have asthma, high blood pressure, kidney problems or heart problems.

    Injections

    • Corticosteroid injections relieve severe pain from a frozen shoulder. They can help reduce the pain for weeks at a time and also reduce swelling. Injection treatments are a short-term treatment; long-term use can damage the shoulder joint.

    Physical Therapy

    • Keep the frozen shoulder as mobile as possible by exercising at home or in physical therapy. A physical therapist may use such treatments as warm or cold compresses, massage or a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS unit is a device with small pads that are applied to your shoulder. Small pulses of electricity are delivered through the pads, helping to numb the nerve endings and relieve pain.

    Surgery

    • A frozen shoulder that is resistant to medication, injections and physical therapy may be need surgery. Scar tissue can build up in the shoulder joint and may need to be removed by arthroscopic surgery. Buildup of scar tissue can sometimes be broken up by manipulation of the shoulder joint. Manipulation is done under general anesthesia. Doctors often perform arthroscopy and manipulation at the same time to provide the best results. After manipulation or arthroscopy, physical therapy is started within one to two days.

Bones, Joints Muscles - Related Articles