​​Frozen Shoulder and How Physical Therapy Can Help

What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that leads to stiffness, pain, and a significant reduction in the range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks such as reaching, lifting, or even dressing. 

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:
- Persistent shoulder pain, which may worsen at night
- Limited shoulder movement, making activities like reaching or lifting difficult
- Stiffness and discomfort that progressively intensifies

How Physical Therapy Can Help?
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for frozen shoulder, offering a non-surgical approach to managing and alleviating symptoms. Here’s how physical therapy can facilitate recovery and restore function:

1. Pain Relief
Physical therapists use various methods to alleviate pain and discomfort:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to gently mobilize the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, easing pain and improving mobility.
  • Cold Therapy: Application of ice packs or vasopneumatic device to reduce inflammation and soothe aching muscles.


2. Restoring Range of Motion
A key goal of physical therapy is to help you regain shoulder movement:

  • Stretching Exercises: Carefully designed stretches to enhance flexibility and increase the shoulder’s range of motion.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to build strength in the shoulder and supporting muscles, enhancing stability and movement.
  • Joint Mobilizations: Manual techniques the therapist performs to improve joint function and reduce stiffness through controlled, gentle movements.


3. Improving Functional Strength

Physical therapy aids in rebuilding strength and functionality, enabling you to return to daily activities:

  • Functional Exercises: Specific exercises tailored to improve everyday movements and activities.
  • Postural Training: Education on maintaining proper posture to reduce strain on the shoulder and prevent further issues.
  • Activity Modification: Advice on adjusting activities to accommodate the shoulder’s limitations and prevent exacerbation of symptoms.


4. Preventing Future Issues
Preventive education is integral to physical therapy:

  • Home Exercise Programs: Personalized exercise routines to perform at home, ensuring continued progress and preventing recurrence.
  • Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on adjusting your work and home environment to reduce shoulder strain.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Tips on making small lifestyle changes to support long-term shoulder health.


Why Choose Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, effective solution for managing frozen shoulder. Benefits include:

  • Personalized Treatment: Tailored plans based on individual needs and goals.
  • Holistic Approach: Focus on pain relief, functional recovery, and long-term prevention.
  • Avoiding Surgery: Potential to alleviate symptoms and improve function without the need for invasive procedures.


Your Physical Therapy Journey

1. Initial Assessment
Your first visit will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your shoulder and overall physical condition. The therapist will assess your pain levels, range of motion, strength, and functional abilities.

2. Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be created. This plan may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities tailored to your specific needs.

3. Ongoing Support
Regular follow-up sessions will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Your therapist will also provide you with home exercises to continue your recovery outside of the clinic.

4. Rehabilitation and Return to Activity
As you improve, the focus will shift to functional rehabilitation and gradually returning to your usual activities. The goal is to help you resume normal activities without pain and prevent future episodes of impingement.

5. Independence in Maintaining Gains
By the end of your care, you will have learned a routine specific to improving and preventing your condition from returning.  It is very important to continue your home exercise program consistently in order to maintain gains and prevent return of pain and symptoms.

If frozen shoulder is impacting your daily life, physical therapy can offer significant relief and recovery. Request an appointment to schedule an evaluation with one of our skilled physical therapists and take the first step towards a pain-free shoulder.

44651 Village Court Suite 120 Palm Desert, CA 92260​

760-501-6655


Dynamic Physical Therapy : an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. 

​Serving the Coachella Valley and cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Indio.