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Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which you will feel stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually and worsens over time. Adhesive capsulitis is a synonym for it. Likewise, the illness limits how much the shoulder joint can move. 

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of the condition is not yet fully understood. However, research shows the possible causes could be shoulder or arm injury. In addition, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac disease may also increase the risk of frozen shoulders. The disorder manifests by thickening and tightness of the shoulder capsule.

Risk Factors

The possible factors that increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder:

  • Being over 40 years of age
  • Being female
  • Having a history of shoulder trauma or surgery
  • Suffering from diabetes, thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular disease

Symptoms

The condition develops in three stages:

  1. Freezing Stage

The shoulder becomes stiff and movement causes sharp pain. It can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.

  1. Frozen Stage

Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes more stiff, and using it becomes more difficult. This stage generally lasts 4 to 6 months.

  1. Thawing Stage

The range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve. This final recovery can take 6 months to 2 years.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a qualified doctor to assess pain and range of motion. In addition, it can involve imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.

Treatment 

Its treatment focuses on controlling pain and restoring motion. It involves:

  • Medications to lower pain and swelling
  • Exercises focussed on mobility and strength
  • Corticosteroids can help with inflammation and discomfort.
  • Surgery to release the joint capsule. 

Prevention and Management 

Given its complexity, the prevention of frozen shoulders might not be possible. However, the condition is manageable through:

  • Regular, gentle exercises to maintain mobility
  • Avoiding prolonged immobility or keeping the shoulder immobile in one position
  • Managing underlying conditions like diabetes

Conclusion

A frozen shoulder is painful and disabling. So, it can negatively impact the physical activities of the sufferer. Early Diagnosis is crucial for healing the condition. It will minimize discomfort apart from restoring shoulder function.

Therefore, consult a reputed physiotherapy clinic, such as Solace Physiotherapy, if you suspect the condition in your body. Such a healthcare service provider will correctly diagnose the condition and prescribe the best treatment plan to you. With our trained and experienced physiotherapy professionals, we provide the best treatment for the condition. Our customized treatment plans can help you to get rid of the condition quickly and effectively. 

Remain patient, and allow our expert physiotherapists to heal the condition for you.

Surgery Rehabilitation: The Importance of Exercise After Hip and Knee Replacement

Healing from hip or knee replacement surgery is a life-changing journey that needs focused rehab and exercise. Recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery is a transformative journey that requires dedicated rehab and exercise.

Exercises After Hip Replacement Surgery

You have to follow a rehab program after hip replacement surgery to strengthen and improve your knee joint.

  1. Hip Abduction and Adduction: These exercises involve moving your leg sideways (abduction) and across your body (adduction) to strengthen the muscles around your hip joint.
  2. Hip Flexion and Extension: Gently bending and straightening your hip joint helps improve flexibility and mobility. These exercises are crucial for restoring the normal range of motion.
  3. Quadriceps Strengthening: Strengthening the quadriceps muscles in your thigh supports overall stability and function of the hip joint.
  4. Gluteal Strengthening: Targeting the gluteal muscles (buttocks) helps improve hip stability and enhances walking and standing abilities.
  5. Low-Impact Cardio: Activities like stationary cycling or water aerobics can improve cardiovascular health without putting excessive strain on the hip joint.

Benefits of Post-Surgery Exercises for Hip Replacement

Engaging in targeted exercises after hip replacement surgery offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Faster Recovery: Regular exercise promotes healing, reduces stiffness, and accelerates recovery time.
  • Improved Mobility: Strengthening and stretching exercises restore mobility and flexibility, allowing you to perform daily activities with greater ease.
  • Enhanced Muscle Strength: Building strength in the muscles surrounding the hip joint improves stability and reduces the risk of future injuries.
  • Pain Management: Exercise helps alleviate post-operative pain by promoting blood flow, releasing endorphins, and reducing inflammation.

Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery

You have to follow a rehab program after knee replacement surgery to strengthen and improve your knee joint.

  1. Straight Leg Raises: Strengthening the quadriceps muscles without bending the knee helps improve knee stability and function.
  2. Hamstring Curls: Targeting the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh enhances knee flexion and overall joint mobility.
  3. Calf Raises: Strengthening the calf muscles supports balance and stability, which are crucial for walking and standing.
  4. Heel Slides: Gently bending and straightening the knee while lying down promotes flexibility and range of motion.
  5. Stationary Cycling: Low-impact cycling helps improve cardiovascular health and knee joint mobility without excessive stress.

Benefits of Post-Surgery Exercises for Knee Replacement

Engaging in a structured exercise regimen after knee replacement surgery offers several benefits:

  • Restored Function: Exercises restore the range of motion and function of the knee joint, enabling better movement and flexibility.
  • Reduced Stiffness: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises alleviate stiffness and improve overall joint mobility.
  • Enhanced Stability: Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint improves stability and reduces the risk of falls or instability.
  • Pain Relief: Targeted exercises alleviate post-operative pain by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation in the joint.

Conclusion: Commit to Your Rehabilitation Journey

At Solace Physiotherapy, we’re here to help you recover from hip or knee surgery with a personalized rehab program. Our goal at Solace Physiotherapy is to support you in your recovery journey after hip or knee replacement surgery. Solace Physiotherapy is dedicated to providing you with a customized rehab program after hip or knee surgery. Contact us today to learn more about our post-surgery rehabilitation services and schedule a consultation with our experienced physiotherapists. Let us support you on your path to a full and active life after joint replacement surgery.

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