Defrost Your Movement: How Combining Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Can Help Treat Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

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As a physician, I have seen many patients suffering from frozen shoulder syndrome. This condition can be quite debilitating, causing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Fortunately, there are several treatments available that can help alleviate these symptoms. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of frozen shoulder, as well as the benefits of combining physical therapy and chiropractic care for treatment. We will also discuss exercises that can help improve frozen shoulder symptoms and how to prevent this condition from occurring.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

Frozen shoulder syndrome, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to pain and stiffness. This can make it difficult to move the arm and shoulder, leading to decreased range of motion.

Causes and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder syndrome is not known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. These include age, gender (women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men), and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease.

The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop slowly over time. The first sign is usually pain in the shoulder joint, which can be mild to severe. This pain can make it difficult to move the arm and shoulder, leading to decreased range of motion. As the condition progresses, the shoulder may become stiff and difficult to move in any direction.

Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder syndrome. A physical therapist can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and increase strength in the shoulder joint. This is done through a variety of exercises and techniques, such as stretching, massage, and range of motion exercises.

During physical therapy, the therapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs. This may include exercises to improve range of motion, as well as exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles. The therapist may also use heat or cold therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic care is another effective treatment for frozen shoulder syndrome. A chiropractor can help improve range of motion and reduce pain in the shoulder joint. This is done through a variety of techniques, such as spinal manipulation, massage, and stretching.

During chiropractic care, the chiropractor will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs. This may include spinal manipulation to help improve range of motion in the shoulder joint, as well as massage and stretching to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Benefits of Combining Physical Therapy and Chiropractic for Frozen Shoulder

Combining physical therapy and chiropractic care can provide many benefits for patients with frozen shoulder syndrome. These two treatments work together to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and increase strength in the shoulder joint.

Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint, while chiropractic care can help reduce pain and inflammation. When these two treatments are combined, the patient can experience faster and more effective results.

Frozen Shoulder Exercises that Work

There are several exercises that can help improve frozen shoulder symptoms. These exercises should be done under the guidance of a physical therapist or chiropractor to ensure that they are done correctly and safely.

One effective exercise is the pendulum exercise. This involves standing with the unaffected arm resting on a table or chair and swinging the affected arm back and forth like a pendulum. This helps improve range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Another effective exercise is the wall crawl. This involves standing facing a wall and using the fingers of the affected arm to crawl up the wall as high as possible. This helps improve range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint.

Other Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

In addition to physical therapy and chiropractic care, there are other treatments available for frozen shoulder syndrome. These include medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and pain relievers.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat frozen shoulder syndrome. This is usually only done if other treatments have been unsuccessful.

How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

There are several things you can do to prevent frozen shoulder syndrome. These include maintaining good posture, avoiding repetitive motions that can cause shoulder strain, and staying active to maintain flexibility and strength in the shoulder joint.

If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of developing frozen shoulder, such as diabetes or heart disease, it is important to manage that condition to reduce your risk.

Finding the Right Frozen Shoulder Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The right treatment will depend on your specific needs and the severity of your condition.

A physical therapist or chiropractor can help develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs. They can also provide guidance on exercises and lifestyle changes that can help improve your symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder syndrome can be a painful and debilitating condition, but there are several treatments available that can help improve symptoms and restore range of motion in the shoulder joint. Physical therapy and chiropractic care are two effective treatments that can be combined for faster and more effective results.

If you are experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. With the right treatment and guidance, you can improve your symptoms and prevent future episodes of frozen shoulder syndrome.

Dr. Kendra Pearson