Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can significantly limit the range of motion. Understanding how to cure frozen shoulder effectively is crucial for restoring mobility and reducing discomfort. Incorporating physiotherapy, sports therapy, and massage into your treatment plan can enhance recovery and improve outcomes.
The first step in learning how to treat frozen shoulder is obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. This ensures that the condition is correctly identified and that an appropriate treatment strategy is developed. Treatment typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, pain management, and, in some cases, medical interventions.
The importance of diagnosis
Physiotherapy is a fundamental part of treating frozen shoulder. A physiotherapist will design a program of specific exercises aimed at improving shoulder flexibility and strength. These exercises are essential for gradually restoring movement and reducing stiffness. As mobility improves, strengthening exercises are introduced to maintain shoulder stability and prevent future issues.
Frozen shoulder goes through several stages, in the initial “painful” stage the focus in therapy sessions is typically on maintaining range of movement and reducing pain. The next stage is often less painful, but your shoulder will feel very stiff, this is the “frozen” stage, during this stage manual techniques and stretching will be used to maintain and improve flexibility at the shoulder. Once you reach the “thawing” stage, your shoulder will feel less stiff and your physio will continue guiding you through mobility work, whilst helping you to progressively strengthen the shoulder so you can return to normal function.
Sports physiotherapy can provide additional tailored strategies, especially for athletes needing to regain their full range of motion.
Pain management and massage
In addition to physiotherapy, pain management plays a critical role in how to cure frozen shoulder. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. In more persistent cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to alleviate pain and improve mobility, particularly in the early stages of the condition.
Sports therapy and massage can also be beneficial in treating frozen shoulder. Sports therapy combines the principles of sports physiotherapy with therapeutic techniques to enhance recovery, especially in active individuals. Massage therapy, on the other hand, can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which can make physical therapy exercises more effective.
For severe cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, more invasive options surgery may be necessary to regain space within the joint. These procedures aim to break up scar tissue and restore mobility.
Getting experts to help cure your frozen shoulder
How to cure frozen shoulder requires a comprehensive and individualised approach. It’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals and seek professional guidance if you experience any discomfort or injury. Your treatment plan should be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. If you find yourself needing additional support, True Physio is here for you. Our team of over 45 accredited specialists brings decades of experience in sports physiotherapy, massage, and sports-specific rehabilitation. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment at one of our cutting-edge treatment facilities across the UK. Whenever you’re ready to return to doing what you love, we’ll be here and ready to help.
Movements such as pulling, jerking and jarring movements to your shoulder will make the pain worse and add more strain to your muscles.
While both conditions can cause shoulder pain and limit movement, they have different symptoms and treatments. Frozen shoulder causes a dull ache and stiffness that makes it hard to move the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty raising, lowering or rotating the arm. You might also hear a popping, clicking or crackling when you move your arm.
Physiotherapy can help treat frozen shoulder. The first step in learning how to treat frozen shoulder is obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. This ensures that the condition is correctly identified and that an appropriate treatment strategy is developed. Treatment typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, pain management, and, in some cases, medical interventions.