| Treating frozen shoulder conservatively can be a | | | | specializing in treating frozen shoulder, then you will |
| challenge, right? Any experienced clinician knows that | | | | likely hear him or her utter such terms as "active |
| adhesive capsulitis can affect anyone without warning. | | | | release", "acupressure", and "joint mobilization", to name |
| When it does, its not your run-of-the-mill ache or pain. In | | | | a few. If not, then the best advice is to search around |
| fact, the pain from this condition is often overwhelming | | | | for such an individual who incorporates these types of |
| and unrelenting. There have even been comparisons | | | | treatments into their plan of care. Otherwise prepare |
| to having a baby...and the pain from birthing was | | | | for some grueling stretch sessions which attempt to |
| preferred! Even though it is extremely painful, the | | | | force your already inflamed shoulder into submission! |
| worst part is the loss of function that accompanies this | | | | Therapists with success treating this condition |
| disease in the second to third month. Until this stage, | | | | understand the agony their patients are enduring and |
| most anyone can deal with the "pain" aspect. | | | | approach treatment in a much gentler manner. |
| However, what is difficult to handle is the sudden loss | | | | Will there be discomfort with the treatments? Yes, but |
| of arm motion that usually happens around the eighth | | | | the pain will be short-lived and an increase in range of |
| to twelfth week. | | | | motion will be achieved, even on the first visit. A |
| Individuals in this loss-of-motion phase hopefully have | | | | thorough clinician will also take into account the patients' |
| been formally diagnosed by a qualified physician. If they | | | | functional goals and try to focus on these first. |
| are fortunate, their doctor has referred them to an | | | | Achieving functions such as tucking in a shirt or |
| experienced physical therapist with expertise in treating | | | | fastening a bra clasp in the first few visits can do |
| this disease. However, the unfortunate get referred to | | | | wonders for a clients' outlook on life and future |
| the "clinic down the street" and end up getting the | | | | therapy. These functions can be achieved without |
| run-of-the-mill, standard frozen shoulder exercises. | | | | gaining full ROM, although full range of motion will be a |
| Usually some initial motion is recovered, but at the | | | | goal of any good care plan. |
| expense of great pain. Its not surprising that a lot of | | | | In summary, the best advice for anyone with adhesive |
| patients stop going after a few painful visits. Who | | | | capsulitis is to do their "due diligence" in finding a |
| wants to pay for a bunch of torture sessions with little | | | | qualified physical therapist who has knowledge and |
| results? | | | | experience in treating frozen shoulder. |
| If you happen to be one of the lucky few to get a PT | | | | |