How to fix a Frozen Shoulder
A week does not go by where someone is coming into my office asking me how to fix a frozen shoulder. This is a very common issue seen by medical doctors and chiropractors. It is also one of the most common searched problems on the internet. Before we get into how to fix a frozen shoulder let’s start by discussing what is a frozen shoulder.
What is Frozen Shoulder (AKA Adhesive Capsulitis):
- Frozen Shoulder occurs over time with the formation of fibrous scar tissue that thickens the shoulder capsule
- Typically starts with a rotator cuff injury or strain that causes pain with movement, and when the patient stops using their shoulder normally the capsule starts to thicken
- Signs and symptoms occur slowly over time so by the time someone comes to see me their shoulder is typically very advanced
Stages of Frozen Shoulder:
- Stage 1 – Freezing Stage: The ability of the shoulder to move without pain is limited. This stage can last from 2-9 months.
- Stage 2 – Frozen Stage: During this stage the pain often lessens but the shoulder becomes stiffer and stiffer. This stage can last from 4-12 months.
- Stage 3 – Thawing Stage: In this final stage the shoulder motion will start to improve slowly. This stage can last from 5 – 24 months.
Conventional Treatment:
- Orthopedic Examination including shoulder X-Rays and MRIs
- Oral Steroids and or Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint.
- Rest from activities.
- Physical Therapy consisting of range of motion and strength training will start after the inflammation is controlled.
Our Treatment:
- Evaluation by a licensed Chiropractor who has over 25 years of sports medicine and chiropractic experience.
- X-Rays will be taken onsite to further evaluate the condition and rule out any other common shoulder problems like calcific tendonitis or degenerative arthritis.
- X-Rays will also be taken of the cervical spine to further evaluate any neurological impingements also known as vertebral subluxations in the mid cervical spine that could be contributing to the frozen shoulder.
- SoftWave Regenerative Therapy (a form of ShockWave treatment) will be applied to the shoulder with the goal of decreasing pain, inflammation, softening the inflamed capsule and connective tissue, and unlocking the bodies resident stem cell to boost healing. In addition to boosting stem cells, SoftWave has been proven to cause revascularization of connective tissue like the shoulder capsule causing increased blood flow and shown to assis in the softening or thawing of the frozen shoulder.
- Minimal rest from normal daily actives is required during treatment and movement is encouraged during this process.
- Physical therapy is recommended in addition to SoftWave in order to assist with range of motion and strengthen the surrounding rotator cuff and muscles that support the shoulder. Many of our patients are able to do this physical therapy at home. Other mor advanced cases will do best with formal in clinic physical therapy.
- In our experience treating dozens of frozen shoulders in the past year with this cutting-edge new technology, our patients see a 50% reduction in pain and 50% increase in Range of Motion within the first 2 weeks. We typically see a 90%-100% recovery within 6 months which is remarkable consisting the tradition treatment can take up to 2 years. Everyone responds different due to the cause of their frozen shoulder, but in the past year we have seen amazing results.
Conclusion:
If you are suffering from a shoulder issue, whether it be pain, reduced range of motion, catching, or even weakness we may be able to help you with our how to fix a frozen shoulder protocol. For more information or to schedule an appointment click here or call us at 480-785-1355. For more information on getting treated with SoftWave therapy in Tempe visit are SoftWave Therapy page.
