Frozen Shoulder Treatment - When Therapy is Not For You

There are many options available regarding frozenquick enough to allow the person to return to daily
shoulder treatment, some of which are viable andactivities. The most effective frozen shoulder
proven and some where the outcome is lesstreatment options in this situation is surgery or
predictable. The most predictable outcome is withmanipulation.
physical therapy. When administered by a trained- Cancer In The Immediate Area -- A qualified
therapist, PT has a fairly high success rate, althoughphysician's advice is needed where there is cancer or
success is dependent on a few variables, most ofmetastasis in the affected upper extremity. Further
which are controlled by the patient. This holds truespreading of the cancer may be provoked during
even if the sufferer decides to forego formal therapyexercise or with some of the modalities prescribed
and follow a home program. That said however, theresuch as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. A doctor
are a few situations when therapy may not be themay agree with a course of therapy if he or she feels
best option:there is no contraindication, but the best advice is to be
- Low Pain Threshold -- The shoulder complex is highlycautious and follow through with an appropriate
innervated, making rehab a less than comfortableexamination.
option as treatment. Those individuals who have a low- Disc Bulges Or Neurological Impingement -- Patients
tolerance for any form of pain or discomfort will oftenwith a history of neck problems such as a herniated
scrap their program if results are not seen immediately.disc or nerve impingement can aggravate their
These people unfortunately succumb to "quick fix" painsymptoms when rehabilitating their shoulder. Any
medicine which only masks the pain, or fall prey tosituation where there is a history o instability in the
"instant cure" programs or products found inneck must be monitored closely to avoid further
magazines or on the internet.damage to the spine and surrounding structures. Also,
- Bilateral Adhesive Capsulitis -- Having one stiff andstretching an already irritated nerve is very painful and
painful arm is limiting enough, but two at the same timewill negate further progress with any program.
can mean an inability to hold a job, drive a car safely,Most cases of frozen shoulder respond well to
or inability to care for one's own needs. Physicaltherapy treatment with a well designed program
Therapy can be implemented in the case of adevised by a licensed and experienced clinician. The
simultaneous condition, but quick results needed in thispatient however has a responsibility to do their due
situation which may necessitate a surgical procedurediligence and make sure they avoid any potential
or manipulation under anesthesia. Recovery afterwardcomplications up front by seeking an examination by a
is still painful and will require additional PT, but mostprofessional who is familiar with adhesive capsulitis.
often a justifiable amount of function can be achieved