| There are a myriad of ways to treat a frozen | | | | because lack of results. Correct intensity varies from |
| shoulder these days, some of which are good and | | | | one individual to another but can easily be learned in |
| some which may leave the sufferer with more pain | | | | the first few sessions. Thinking of the phrase |
| and loss of motion than they started with. This article | | | | "medium-to-strong, but not fully strong" and apply it to |
| will cover a couple of key components to successful | | | | each exercise. For instance, if you are stretching in a |
| frozen shoulder treatment, and a few treatment | | | | particular direction, you should feel a |
| programs to avoid. | | | | "medium-to-strong" stretch, but not fully strong or |
| The first key element in any treatment program is | | | | unbearably painful, and hold that stretch. |
| consistency. Whether you are in your mid twenties | | | | As far as unsuccessful treatments, a few guidelines |
| (yes, this age group suffers as well), a baby boomer, | | | | apply as to which ones to avoid: |
| or a senior in the 60 plus range, you must stay | | | | - Programs that sound gimmicky (i.e holding the |
| consistent with the prescribed treatment on a daily | | | | non-burning end of a lit candle in your ear will probably |
| basis for at least 3 weeks before abandoning the | | | | not help your frozen shoulder) |
| program for another one, or worse, quitting altogether. | | | | - Programs that are not research-based or |
| Now if you're seeing increases in range of motion or | | | | evidence-based (i.e. programs where the author has |
| function after 3 weeks, you may need to stay with | | | | no credentials) |
| your program another 4-5 weeks for maximum gains. | | | | - Programs that promise instant relief of symptoms (i.e. |
| The reason is that it takes up to 3 weeks to recover | | | | "Cure your frozen shoulder overnight!") |
| from initial irritation from stretching or breaking loose | | | | - Programs based only on relief of symptoms and no |
| adhesions that may have formed in the joint capsule. | | | | focus on return of function |
| The second key element in successful frozen shoulder | | | | These are just a few red flags to watch for, however |
| treatment is intensity. All too often I see patients "going | | | | there are a few good programs available and would |
| through the motions" of a well designed program | | | | encourage anyone seeking frozen shoulder treatment |
| without sufficient intensity and become discouraged | | | | to make sure they meet some of the criteria above. |