| There are 3 simple stages for frozen shoulder: | | | | spasmso Trigger points in the upper trap muscle |
| 1) Freezing - 1 to 6 months | | | | What is the best way to treat a frozen shoulder? |
| 2) Frozen - 6 to 18 months | | | | The treatment for a frozen shoulder typically involves |
| 3) Thawing - 12 to 36 months | | | | moist heat prior to joint mobilization, stretching, selected |
| This problem is more common in women than in men | | | | range of motion exercises, low level strengthening and |
| and typically affects the non dominant arm. It lasts | | | | ice following activity or exercise. Non steroidal |
| from 6 to 2 years but it eventually goes away on its | | | | anti-inflammatory meds are commonly prescribed to |
| own. Physical Therapy is often recommended. | | | | ease pain and inflammation. |
| Common signs and symptomso Intense pain in the | | | | You must mange the pain by avoiding painful activities |
| deltoid regiono Pain may radiate down the armo Pain is | | | | and use anti-inflammatory medications if approved |
| worse with shoulder motion (especially external | | | | & recommended by your physician. Beyond that, |
| rotation)o Pain is better with resto Pain is worse at | | | | heat, ice and very specific stretching and range of |
| night and often disturbs sleepo May have associated | | | | motion exercises must be done to prevent further |
| pain in the upper back and necko Guarded shoulder | | | | motion loss and help regain the movement that has |
| movementso Difficulty reaching behind the backo | | | | been lost. As pain subsides, selective strengthening |
| Reduced arm swing with walkingo Those affected | | | | exercises should be done to restore proper shoulder |
| typically hold the arm close against the bodyo | | | | function. |
| Rounded shoulders and stooped postureo Muscle | | | | |