How to treat Frozen Shoulder?
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination
- X-rays may be helpful in screening other underlying causes
- Other imaging studies such as MRI and arthrograms may also be helpful in ruling out underlying causes such as rotator cuff disease
Treatment:
- Frozen shoulder syndrome is a self-limited process that resolves with time
- On an average, frozen shoulder syndrome may last between 9 and 18 months
- There are a few exceptional cases though, like frozen shoulder in diabetics are little different; they last longer, are more resistant to treatment and more likely to recur
- Post-operative or post-traumatic frozen shoulder may not heal spontaneously because the stiffness in these cases results from actual scarred tissue
- Physical therapy provides mobility and strength
- Activity Modification: Patients are encouraged to remain active and use the affected extremity so that it gains mobility
