In this world full of uncertainties, being able to move freely without pain and stiffness can be underestimated by some. Once you got yourself injured or lost control of your underlying health conditions, a frozen shoulder is a possibility.
Frozen shoulder, or medically known as adhesive capsulitis, all starts with pain and gradually progresses to stiffness to the point that moving your shoulder becomes a burden. People ages 40-60 are the most susceptible people to acquire this since it can be caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes. Unfortunately, younger people can develop a frozen shoulder due to an injury.
On the plus side, the majority of the people who experience this condition can be treated through a non-surgical intervention because of mild to moderate severity of the symptom.
Here are a few ways to relieve a frozen shoulder through non-invasive methods:
1. Oral Medication
One symptom that comes with a frozen shoulder is the tremendous amount of pain when trying to mobilize it. And since it is rooted from an inflammation of the capsule, which surrounds the shoulder joint, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may ease your symptoms, specifically the pain and inflammation. Commonly used NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Before taking these oral medications, consult your doctor and make sure that these drugs are safe on you, and you have no allergies associated with these.
2. Steroid Injections
Although still invasive, injecting steroids is the quickest way to ease your inflammation and decrease the pain you are feeling. This is injected directly to your shoulder joint, thus resulting in a faster effect than taking oral medications. Once the inflammation subsides, a physical therapist would be able to maximize the range of motion exercises to mobilize your joints gradually. However, even if steroid injections are the quickest way to reduce the pain, recovering your joints and mobility may take a while.
3. Physical Therapy
This therapy includes passive or active range of motion exercises, depending on your ability, which must be done with the supervision of a licensed therapist. If done with a few sessions or if you are able to do it properly without the physical therapist, you can be given a program to follow at home to continue your recovery.
4. Hydrodilatation
If all non-surgical methods are done, but little to no relieving symptoms is achieved, hydrodilatation could be an option. The mechanism behind this is that you dilate the shoulder joint capsule to minimize contact with the joint. This can help you mobilize the joint better. Sterile fluid is usually used, and this method should be conducted with the aid of a radiologist for accurate placement of the liquid.