Shoulder > Frozen Shoulder > Treatments

    Rest, Anti-Inflammatories, Physical Therapy

Home Recovery

During the first, or "freezing" phase of frozen shoulder, your physician may want you to focus on relieving your pain rather than increasing your range of motion. This involves rest, ice, medication, and in some cases, immobilization of your shoulder. You will be asked to refrain from using the affected shoulder as much as possible. You should avoid putting strain on your shoulder, raising your arm over your head, or lifting heavy objects. Depending on the severity of your pain, your physician also may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Icing your shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, three or four times a day, also can help relieve pain and inflammation. Some patients are given corticosteroid injections to ease pain.

Once your pain has decreased enough to allow you to move your shoulder comfortably, you usually can begin performing basic stretching exercises aimed at increasing your shoulder’s range of motion. Some of these include a pendulum-like motion, in which you lean over with your affected arm hanging down and your other arm extended and resting on a table to support your body, and then make small circles with your affected arm. The next step is to perform this exercise while holding a light weight. Other exercises focus on flexing your shoulder forward and back with gentle motions, and some use apparatus such as a wand or pulley system. All involve the unaffected arm "leading" the affected arm so that the affected arm does not have to push against resistance. As in all exercises, proceed gradually. Do not pursue an aggressive exercise program if you experience pain or stiffness.

FORMAL PHYSICAL THERAPY

A physical therapist may use heat or ultrasound to ease the pain in your shoulder and allow you to exercise more comfortably and efficiently. Your physician also may suggest an injection of a long-lasting anesthetic before you perform supervised stretching exercises. Your physical therapist then takes you through a series of passive movements aimed at regaining range of motion in your shoulder.

It is not uncommon for sufferers of frozen shoulder to experience residual symptoms for years after the initial diagnosis. These generally include mild pain and a small loss of range of motion in the shoulder that usually does not affect your ability to perform everyday functions.