Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can restrict movement and significantly impact daily life. Fortunately, there are various treatments available in Lahore to help alleviate the discomfort and improve shoulder mobility.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and inflamed. This leads to the formation of scar tissue, which makes the shoulder joint stiff and painful. The condition typically develops slowly, and the pain may worsen over time.
Frozen shoulder often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women. It can result from an injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility, such as after a stroke. However, in many cases, the exact cause remains unclear.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:
Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages:
- Freezing Stage: This stage is marked by gradual pain and a loss of motion. The pain may become worse at night.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may subside, but the stiffness and limited movement become more prominent. It may become difficult to perform even simple tasks like brushing your hair or reaching behind your back.
- Thawing Stage: In this final stage, the shoulder begins to gradually regain its normal range of motion, and pain reduces. Full recovery can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years.
Effective Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
The good news is that frozen shoulder can be effectively managed and treated. Many healthcare providers in Lahore offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Let’s explore the most common treatments available.
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for frozen shoulder. A licensed physical therapist will guide you through a series of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your range of motion and reduce pain. The therapist may use techniques like manual therapy, mobilization, and ultrasound therapy to target the affected shoulder joint.
In Lahore, you can find specialized physiotherapy clinics that offer personalized treatment plans for frozen shoulder. Some clinics even offer at-home physical therapy services for patients with mobility challenges.
- Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications like corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to the affected shoulder can provide relief from pain and stiffness. Cold packs are especially useful in the early stages to reduce inflammation, while heat pads can help relax muscles and increase blood flow during the later stages of recovery.
Many clinics in Lahore provide complementary treatments like heat and cold therapy to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
- Shoulder Manipulation
In cases where other treatments aren’t successful, shoulder manipulation might be recommended. This involves the doctor moving your shoulder joint under anesthesia to break up the scar tissue and improve mobility. This procedure is typically used only when physical therapy and medications don’t offer relief.
- Surgery
Surgical intervention is generally considered a last resort. In some cases, if conservative treatments are ineffective, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to remove scar tissue and free up the shoulder joint.
In Lahore, top orthopedic surgeons and specialists are available to evaluate the condition and provide surgical options when necessary. Hospitals like The Aga Khan University Hospital, Lahore Orthopedic and Spine Clinic, and Orthopedic Clinic Lahore offer expert consultations and advanced surgical techniques.
Preventing Frozen Shoulder: Tips for Shoulder Health
While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Stay active: Regular shoulder exercises can keep the joint flexible and strong.
- Avoid prolonged immobility: If you’ve had a recent injury or surgery, avoid keeping your shoulder immobile for too long.
- Seek early treatment: If you experience shoulder pain or stiffness, seek medical attention early to prevent the condition from progressing to frozen shoulder.