Is There a Way to Cure Frozen Shoulder?

September 7, 2008 by admin
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There is no specific way to cure frozen shoulder, but many treatments are available. It is important to understand what frozen shoulder is and the causes. Frozen shoulder is also called adhesive capsulitis and can be diagnosed with an MRI or arthrography (dye is injected into the affected area while an X-Ray is done.

Frozen shoulder often occurs for no reason whatsoever. It is most often seen in 40-60 year olds and most often in women. There are other risk factors that are associated with frozen shoulder.

• Persons with diabetes or a thyroid condition seem to be more susceptible.
• Persons with heart disease and Parkinsons are also more susceptible.

When a person has frozen shoulder, the motion becomes restricted in the shoulder joint. Many times this comes from scar tissue that has formed (also called adhesions). An injury can trigger this problem, especially when the shoulder is immobilized. The shoulder becomes stiff and painful.

You cannot cure frozen shoulder. Treatments for frozen shoulder are -

• Physical therapy – This is usually range of motion exercises to loosen up the shoulder area. This can also include ultrasound treatments, electrical stimulation and ice packs.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – to relieve the pain and inflammation. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are good examples.
• Heat and cold are often applied to affected area.
• Corticosteroids – These are anti-inflammatory hormones that are given in the form of an injection.
• Surgery – When all of the above treatments don’t work, surgery becomes an option. This is done arthroscopically to remove scar tissue and adhesions.
• Shoulder manipulation is usually done under a general anesthetic. This allows the shoulder to be manipulated while the patient is anesthetized.
• Electrical stimulation – A TENS unit is used to relieve pain. This unit is placed on the affected area. It is believed that tiny electrical currents interrupt the nerve endings and block pain.

If you are looking to cure frozen shoulder, you should be aware that there is no cure but the treatments many times are effective in relieving pain for long periods of time.

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