Effective Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment – Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It can affect daily activities and significantly impair the quality of life. Understanding the various treatment options for frozen shoulder is essential for managing the condition effectively and regaining mobility. Here, we will explore medical treatments, physiotherapy, at-home remedies, and alternative therapies to treat frozen shoulder.

Medical Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Medical treatment for frozen shoulder is often the first line of defense against pain and stiffness. Several approaches can be used to manage symptoms and promote healing:

1. Pain Management

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where pain is severe, steroid injections directly into the shoulder joint may help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. These injections can help to decrease swelling, making physical therapy exercises more effective.

1. Oral Medications

• Pain Relievers: If over-the-counter painkillers are ineffective, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opioids, although they are typically used for a short period.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for frozen shoulder, focusing on improving range of motion, reducing pain, and restoring shoulder mobility. A qualified physiotherapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program that includes the following approaches:

1. Stretching Exercises

• Pendulum Swings: Gently swing the affected arm forward, backward, and in circles to relieve stiffness.
• Towel Stretch: Use a towel to help stretch the shoulder by pulling it behind the back and gently increasing the range of motion.
• Cross-Body Stretch: Bring the affected arm across the body using the good arm to stretch the shoulder and improve flexibility.

1. Strengthening Exercises

Once the range of motion begins to improve, strengthening exercises become essential

• Isometric Exercises: Press the hand against a wall or doorway to engage shoulder muscles without moving the joint.
• Resistance Band Exercises: Use a resistance band to strengthen the shoulder muscles and support the joint.

1. Manual Therapy

• Joint Mobilizations: A therapist may gently move the shoulder joint to improve its function and range of motion.
• Soft Tissue Massage: This technique helps relieve tightness in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment at Home

Many individuals with frozen shoulder benefit from performing simple exercises and using home remedies to manage pain and improve mobility. Some helpful at-home treatments include:

1. Heat and Cold Therapy

• Heat: Applying a heating pad to the shoulder can help relax tight muscles and relieve stiffness.
• Cold: An ice pack can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly after exercise or physical therapy.

1. Gentle Exercises

Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises should be performed regularly at home to maintain flexibility and prevent further stiffness in the shoulder. These should be done consistently but within a pain-free range to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

1. Rest

It is essential to rest the shoulder and avoid activities that exacerbate pain, especially during the early stages of treatment. However, complete immobilization should be avoided to ensure that the shoulder remains mobile.

Best Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

The best treatment for frozen shoulder depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and how they respond to initial treatments. Typically, a combination of pain management, physiotherapy, and home exercises is effective. In some cases, more invasive treatments such as steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

• First-line treatment typically involves NSAIDs, steroid injections, and physiotherapy.
• In cases of severe stiffness or lack of improvement, surgery may be recommended, such as shoulder manipulation or arthroscopic surgery to release the joint capsule.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment During Menopause

Women experiencing menopause may be at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder due to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels. The treatment for frozen shoulder in women during menopause is similar to general treatment but may include specific attention to hormonal balance and bone health.

• Hormonal Therapy: Some women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help manage the hormonal changes that contribute to joint stiffness.
• Osteoporosis Medications: Because women going through menopause may have a higher risk of osteoporosis, medications to improve bone density might also be part of the treatment plan.

Alternative Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

In addition to conventional treatments, some people find relief through alternative therapies that can complement traditional approaches:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to alleviate pain and improve blood flow. It can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder.

1. Cupping Therapy

Cupping involves creating suction on the skin using special cups. It may help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension in the shoulder area.

1. Bowen Therapy

A gentle form of manual therapy, Bowen therapy involves light moves over the muscles and soft tissues to improve healing, pain relief, and range of motion.

Curapod into Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Curapod, a device that uses electrical stimulation, can be a highly beneficial addition to the treatment regimen for frozen shoulder. Curapod helps by:

• Relieving Pain: Electrical stimulation can block pain signals, providing quick relief from shoulder discomfort.
• Improving Circulation: Curapod increases blood flow, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
• Relaxing Muscles: It helps relax the muscles around the shoulder, which can be particularly tight and stiff due to frozen shoulder.

By using Curapod in conjunction with physical therapy, exercises, and other treatments, patients can accelerate their recovery process and enhance their shoulder mobility.

Effective treatment for frozen shoulder involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, physiotherapy, home remedies, and alternative therapies. The key to managing frozen shoulder is early intervention, consistency in performing exercises, and addressing pain. Curapod can be an important part of the treatment strategy, enhancing recovery by reducing pain, relaxing muscles, and improving circulation.

References (Cardiff Harvard Style)

1. Mayo Clinic, 2025. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370892 [Accessed 28 February 2025].
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2025. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/diseases–conditions/frozen-shoulder/ [Accessed 28 February 2025].
3. Spine-Health, 2025. Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Exercises. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/shoulder-pain/frozen-shoulder [Accessed 28 February 2025].