Do you notice pain and stiffness in your shoulder? Has your shoulder suddenly become very hard to move? You may be experiencing a frozen shoulder and will benefit from having a physical therapist help you resolve your problem.
At National Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are skilled at alleviating pain and restoring motion so you can get back to doing what you love!
Many different factors can lead to chronic shoulder pain. One of the most painful and debilitating conditions is a frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Dealing with shoulder pain can make completing daily tasks nearly impossible. Often people sacrifice their quality of life due to the pain and limitations.
Adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually without a specific cause and worsen over time. Physical therapy can help relieve and even eliminate your problem! If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, contact National Physical Therapy today. Our physical therapists will be able to do a full assessment, figure out if the source of your pain is a frozen shoulder, and help you get on the road to recovery.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition that develops when the tissue in your shoulder joint tightens and restricts movement. It is thought to be caused by inactivity that occurs after injury or alongside another shoulder problem, such as a rotator cuff injury, broken arm, or recovering from surgery.
The exact causes of a frozen shoulder are not fully understood. A few factors that may put you more at risk for developing a frozen shoulder include:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidismÂ
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiac disease
Most people struggling with frozen shoulders complain of pain, discomfort when moving or using the affected joint, or even a total loss of movement in that shoulder. Adhesions from the shoulder can become stiff or inflamed. Fortunately, physical therapy has been shown to help alleviate pain and mobility losses.
What to Expect With Physical Therapy
At your consultation, one of our physical therapists here at National Physical Therapy will assess your condition, pinpoint the exact source of your pain, take a look at your medical history, and evaluate your mobility and strength.Â
There are three stages in the development of frozen shoulders:
Freezing
In this stage, you gradually experience more and more pain. As the pain worsens, you start to lose range of motion.
Frozen:
This stage is characterized by motion loss, whereas the painful symptoms may improve. Daily activities are typically challenging during this phase.
Thawing:
Shoulder motion improves during this stage, and there is typically a complete return to normal or close to normal motion and strength.
It’s pretty standard for patients to see our physical therapists in the freezing stage after they’ve already been experiencing pain for a little over half a year or nine months. At this point, they’re already in a lot of pain and pretty used to not being able to move their shoulders the way they’d like to.
Our comprehensive treatment plan will consist of targeted stretches and specific home exercises to speed up the recovery process and regain your motion, reduce your pain and restore any lost strength.
Physical therapy for frozen shoulders focuses primarily on pain relief, using modalities like ultrasound, e-stim, and lasers. In addition, we take a hands-on approach using targeted manual therapy techniques like soft tissue work and joint mobilizations. Your physical therapist’s ultimate goal is to restore mobility and range of motion to the affected shoulder. The quicker we can address your pain symptoms and range of motion deficits, the sooner you get back to doing what you love!
Contact National Physical Therapy today!
If you have been experiencing recurrent or chronic shoulder pain, it is essential to consult with a physical therapist as soon as possible to find out if your problem is a frozen shoulder. Physical therapy is a safe and natural treatment option that can successfully help patients of all ages recover from their shoulder injuries.Â
Call National Physical Therapy today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder pain, and begin your journey toward living a pain-free life!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Ready to feel your best again? Come back to National Physical Therapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!
Exercise of the Month
STANDING EXTERNAL ROTATION
Start by standing up straight with the arm to be exercised hanging by your side. Bend that elbow to 90 degrees. Anchor an exercise band at about the height of your belly button and hold the free end of the band in the hand of the arm you want to work. Make sure you are standing so that the hand holding the band is farther from the anchor than your other arm. Place a towel between your elbow and your body. Lightly rotate your working forearm away from your body, pulling the band and keeping your arm bent. Slowly let the band pull your arm back.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: resistance band, towel)
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Answer Key
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Family-Friendly Spring Activities
Try a New Outdoor Sport
As it begins to warm up, try picking up a new outdoor sport such as biking, rollerblading, hiking, golfing, fishing, or kayaking. These are all fun things you can do to get your blood pumping and introduce more physical activity into your routine after sitting at home for so many months!
Visit an Outdoor Farmers Market
If you love fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, a farmers market might be right up your alley! Visiting an outdoor farmers market gives you a chance to get some fresh air and hand-select the best produce, jams, preserves, and jellies for you to take home to try.
Go See a Drive-In Movie
This is a great spring activity, especially because you can roll down your windows and enjoy a nice breeze as you watch on the big screen. You could even invite people outside of your household to park their car near yours so you can watch it together.
Break Out the Gardening Tools
Do you love gardening and growing your vegetables, herbs, and flowers? If so, spring is calling your name! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your knees dirty in the backyard. Gardening is a great spring activity that provides some physical activity, and an excuse to get fresh air. Make sure to start with great soil and research the types of flowers and foods that grow the best in your climate.
Take a Scenic Drive
So many parts of nature come back to life in the spring, so why not take a scenic drive now and then to get out of the house? Try getting off the interstate and going the long way around to see some trees, fields, or parks – just make sure you have a GPS or know how to get home safely!
Make the Most of this Spring
We all deserve to enjoy spring for what it is: a new beginning. Try some of these fun activities to add a bit of joy to your daily routine!
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Hanover Has Moved!
We’re excited to announce that our Hanover location has moved! The new clinic offers more treatment space and the same friendly team you know and trust.
New Address:
1207 Washington St Suite B5,
Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 412-1549
Our Patients Get Great Results
“This place was absolutely awesome!!! Salone, Janice, and Sam were so great. I went in feeling like I had no hope, post-C-section, with back pain. With Salone’s oversight, Sam worked with me multiple times a week to get me into shape. Salone brought me across the finish line, and I left being able to do so much more with my toddler. They offer a dedicated space to let you take the time to practice and do your therapy each week, and it was great for me. They showed me what true physical therapy and recovery should be like. You ladies, were all awesome, and I am forever grateful.”
– M.A.
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