Frozen Shoulder Exercises

Can frozen shoulder exercises "de-freeze" a frozen shoulder? I have read says it is possible. But that most likely it will take a combination of exercise AND time to regain mobility.

How much time? As long as two to three years, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

That's a long wait! However...

If you know a bit about frozen shoulder syndrome you can better understand the healing process and the role that exercise therapy and other treatments play.

What is frozen shoulder? It is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain of the shoulder joints resulting in a limited range of motion - typically only affecting one shoulder at a time.

Frozen shoulder symptoms are often referred to in three stages...

What are frozen shoulder causes? It is not fully understood what causes frozen shoulder. However, it is more likely to occur after a shoulder injury or extended periods of immobilization, such as that experienced after a broken arm or surgery. It is also more likely to affect people who have diabetes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with other health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease and hyperthyroidism may also be at a higher risk for developing frozen shoulder.

The "freezing" process involves inflammation of the shoulder capsule. Due to the inflammation, bands of tissue may form between the surfaces of the shoulder joints. Also, the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints may begin to decrease. These factors lead to the pain and immobility associated with frozen shoulder.

Please note... This website is written by a patient NOT a practitioner. Before beginning any exercises or home treatment for frozen shoulder, consult with a medical professional. X-rays or an MRI may be needed to determine a cause for shoulder pain.

Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

Although surgical treatment is sometimes required for a stubborn frozen shoulder, nonsurgical therapies such as...

• frozen shoulder exercises
• ibuprofen
• corticosteroid injections
• heat therapy
• Ice therapy
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - TENS

...are often recommended by medical professionals.

However, when considering exercise...

To avoid further damage frozen shoulder exercises should ONLY be done under the supervision of a doctor or other trained medical professional. Inappropriate exercises can easily result not only in increased shoulder pain, but neck and back pain, as well.

Your doctor may suggest that you visit a physical therapist who can work with you on stretching, and range of motion exercises, as well as a home program for frozen shoulder exercises.