Care of a Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder freezes up, becoming stiff and painful. Frozen shoulder happens gradually, with symptoms coming on slowly and then lessening over time. The good news is that frozen shoulder usually goes away on its own. While you're waiting for your frozen shoulder to resolve, there are ways to lessen the pain and get your shoulder moving again.

Lifestyle

• Plenty of treatments can help stop frozen shoulder pain and help your frozen shoulder heal without using medication. Heat pads and ice packs can ease or numb pain. Using your frozen shoulder as often as possible might sound counterproductive, but it helps get your shoulder tissue back into shape. A physical therapist can show you exercises that will get you working out without causing too much stress on the shoulder.

Medication

• When your frozen shoulder becomes painful, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to ease the pain. Corticosteroid injections given by a doctor can also help with more severe cases of frozen shoulder. The injections are usually given shortly after the onset of the condition. It's not healthful to repeat corticosteroid injections often.

Other Therapies

• If exercise and medication don't help remedy your frozen shoulder, there are several other types of treatments to try. Sterile water can be injected into the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint or a surgeon can manipulate the shoulder while you're under anesthesia. Scar tissue and adhesions in the shoulder joint can also be removed surgically. Alternative therapy such as acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are thought to be helpful in treating frozen shoulder.