Erika Said:

I had rotator cuff surgery several years ago and developed frozen shoulder?

We Answered:

Flexibility training is most important for this type of injury then followed by specific training movement. I would first look into a ART (active release technique) it works wonders! The art web site is http://www.activerelease.com

Also, The earlier a shoulder injury is treated, the better. The first 48 to 72 hours are crucial to a complete and speedy recovery. The first and most important course of action is the R.I.C.E.R. regime. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral

After the initial injury has been treated with the R.I.C.E.R. regime, (for at least 48 to 72 hours) it's time to progress onto the next phase of treatment. As mentioned before, the shoulder joint receives very little blood supply. So, what can you do to increase blood flow, and oxygen and nutrients to the injured area?

Firstly, heat! Heat is exceptionally good for increasing blood flow to a particular area. Heat lamps are the most effective way to increase blood flow; while heat based creams is probably an OK second choice.

Secondly, massage! Massage is one of the best ways to increase blood flow to an injured area, and of course the oxygen and nutrients that go with it. The other advantage of massage is that it helps to reduce the amount of scar tissue which is associated with all muscle and tendon, strains and tears.

And finally, don't stop moving. Some doctors will often tell patients to keep the injured area still, and this is not always the best advice. Moderate movement will help to keep the blood flowing to the injured area. Of course, if pain is present, restrict the amount of moving you do, but don't stop moving all together.

Jean Said:

How can I help heal a frozen shoulder without surgery?

We Answered:

Hi,

Frozen shoulder treatment primarily consists of pain relief and physical therapy techniques.

Pain relief usually takes the form of anti-inflammatory medication and the aim here is to reduce the pain enough so that physical therapy can be initiated.

Two other forms of therapy should also be considered; heat and massage:

Heat is extremely good for increasing blood flow to a particular area. Heat lamps and hot water bottles are the most effective way to increase blood flow; while heat based creams are distant second choices.

Massage is one of the best ways to increase blood flow to an injured area, and of course the oxygen and nutrients that go with it. The other benefit of massage is that it helps to reduce the amount of scar tissue which is associated with all muscle, tendon and joint injuries.

Firstly, don't stop moving. Some doctors will often tell patients to keep the injured area still, and this is not always the best advice. Gentle movement will help to keep the blood flowing to the injured area. Of course, if pain is present, limit the amount of moving you do, but don't stop moving all together.

Next, specific stretching and strengthening exercises should be started to help loosen up the shoulder joint and speed up the recovery process. A full description of appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises are included in the next section.

There is a great article called Prevention & Treatment Strategies for Frozen Shoulder I have included the link:

http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/arc…

Good Luck I hope you find some pain relief soon!

Heather Said:

How is grade 3 shoulder arthritis and frozen shoulder treated?

We Answered:

It is treated with many approaches and it sounds like you have had many of them such as surgery and medication. Have you been referred to a Physical Therapist. Therapy is essential to regaining strength, motion and mobility especially after all of the surgeries that you have been through. The more surgeries you have means the more scar tissue that is present which can limit motion. The cortisone injection may help you pain but will not necessarily make you regain all of the motion and mobility that you have lost. If you do not notice any benefit within a week or two then I would go back to the doctor and ask for a referral to a Physical Therapist. The doctor that is treating you - is it an orthopedic surgeon? Best of luck!

Kim Said:

How can i tell my doctor ? manipulation surgery didn't help me.i need laser surgery for my frozen shoulder.

We Answered:

Pain due to frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It can be worsened with attempted motion. The pain is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm.

The hallmark of the disorder is restricted motion or stiffness in the shoulder. The affected individual cannot move the shoulder normally. Motion is also limited when someone else attempts to move the shoulder for the patient.

Some physicians have described the normal course of a frozen shoulder as having three stages:

Stage one: In the "freezing" stage, the patient develops a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder loses motion. This stage may last from six weeks to nine months.
Stage two: The "frozen" stage is marked by a slow improvement in pain, but the stiffness remains. This stage generally lasts four months to nine months.
Stage three: The final stage is the "thawing," during which shoulder motion slowly returns toward normal. This generally lasts five months to 26 months.
Surgical intervention is considered when there is no improvement in pain or shoulder motion after an appropriate course of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. When more invasive measures are considered, the patient must always consider that most individuals will get better if given sufficient time and that surgery always has risk involved.

Surgical intervention is aimed at stretching or releasing the contracted joint capsule of the shoulder. The most common methods include manipulation under anesthesia and shoulder arthroscope:

Manipulation under anesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep and forcing the shoulder to move. This process causes the capsule to stretch or tear.

With shoulder arthroscope, the surgeon makes several small incisions around the shoulder. A small camera and instruments are inserted through the incisions. These instruments are used to cut through the tight portions of the joint capsule.

Often, manipulation and arthroscope are used together in combination to obtain maximum results. Most patients have very good results with these procedures.

After surgery, physical therapy is important to maintain the motion that was achieved with surgery. Recovery time varies, from six weeks to three months.

How long has it been since surgery?

Tommy Said:

Do you need surgery for a frozen shoulder?

We Answered:

That all depends upon whether or not there is any damage in the joints. It could be just muscle cramping that will go away with application of heat and rest. See your doctor to be sure. You need to have xrays taken to be positive.

Emily Said:

What to do for frozen shoulder? How long does pain last? What should I use?

We Answered:

Sounds like you're proceeding in the right direction by following your PT's advice. You could try some supplements to help with recovery and pain relief. I would recommend:

Curcumin (ingredient in turmeric that'll help with inflammation and pain relief - make a turmeric tea or look for capsules in health food stores)

Fish Oil (very effective anti-inflammatory with many other benefits)

A good quality multi (can potentially speed recovery if you're already deficient in something)

Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM (worth a try and not too expensive, I'd start with the above first because although some people have claimed they help, studies have shown if they do work it's on a small percentage of the population, and personally I didn't see any benefits from either Glucosamine or MSM. But you don't know until you try, right?)

I hope this helps and good luck with your shoulder. I know frozen shoulder can be very hard to deal with and you're going to need a lot of patience.