Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause significant pain and stiffness, making simple movements a challenge. For those dealing with this condition, understanding non-surgical treatments is key to finding relief and maintaining mobility.
Surgery, such as shoulder replacement surgery, is an option but is often reserved for severe cases. Instead, many patients benefit from less invasive shoulder pain treatments that can help improve daily life.
In this article, we will explore five highly effective non-surgical solutions to treat frozen shoulder.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder affects the joint in your shoulder, causing pain and stiffness that worsen over time. It often progresses in three stages:
- Freezing stage – Pain develops slowly, and the range of motion decreases.
- Frozen stage – Stiffness intensifies, and pain may improve slightly but movement remains limited.
- Thawing stage – Mobility begins to return, and symptoms gradually decrease.
While the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not always clear, it often develops in individuals recovering from injuries like rotator cuff tears or conditions such as diabetes. Seeking non-surgical treatments early can prevent worsening symptoms and restore functionality.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Here are the top five non-surgical treatments for frozen shoulder:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often the first recommendation for treating a frozen shoulder. A physical therapist can provide specific exercises designed to stretch and strengthen your shoulder muscles while improving your overall joint mobility.
Physical therapy focuses on gentle movements to release tightness. Exercises typically progress in intensity as your shoulder gains mobility. Techniques may include passive stretches, resistance training, or manual therapy performed by the therapist.
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications (NSAIDs)
Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin help reduce shoulder pain and swelling, making it easier to perform physical therapy or daily activities.
By alleviating inflammation in the shoulder joint, NSAIDs allow for better flexibility and reduced discomfort during movement. These medications can be especially helpful during the initial “freezing stage.”
Consult your orthopedic doctor to ensure NSAIDs are safe for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as digestive, heart, or kidney problems.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications administered directly into the shoulder joint to decrease pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections target the root of inflammation, allowing for faster relief so that patients can participate in physical therapy more effectively. For some, injections are combined with other shoulder pain treatments for optimal outcomes.
The process is quick and done in an orthopedic doctor’s office. Relief typically begins within days and can last for several weeks.
Hydrodilatation (Joint Distension)
This procedure involves injecting a sterile fluid like saline into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
Hydrodilatation helps restore the range of motion and reduces tightness. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure often performed under local anesthesia.
This treatment is often suggested for patients whose stiffness does not improve with physical therapy or medications.
Shoulder Manipulation
Shoulder manipulation, also known as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), is a procedure performed to help improve shoulder mobility when other non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief.
During this procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and the orthopedic specialist carefully moves the shoulder joint through its full range of motion.
This process helps break up adhesions and scar tissue within the joint capsule, which are major contributors to the stiffness and pain associated with a frozen shoulder.
The procedure itself is brief and is typically followed by physical therapy to maintain improved mobility and prevent the reformation of scar tissue.
Why Choose Non-Surgical Treatments?
Starting with non-surgical options provides a reliable way to manage symptoms while preserving shoulder health. Here are some benefits of non-surgical treatments for a frozen shoulder:
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower cost compared to surgery
- Non- or minimally-invasive options tailored to your needs
- Can safely delay or avoid the need for surgery altogether
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Maryland
Dealing with a frozen shoulder can feel overwhelming, but the right approach can lead to a full recovery without surgery. Are you ready to take the next step toward relieving shoulder pain?
At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced doctors provide personalized frozen shoulder treatments to help patients move toward recovery. We offer comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment options for orthopedic conditions, including frozen shoulder.
With convenient locations in Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown, we are here to help you regain mobility and reduce shoulder discomfort.
To make an appointment, schedule online or call us at (301) 515-0900. We look forward to serving you!
