How is frozen shoulder treated?
Frozen shoulder can be thought to have two distinct phases: a stiffening phase and a stiff phase. During the stiffening phase the shoulder is getting stiffer. This is a painful period during which the shoulder progressively loses more and more motion. When this phase ends after what may be several months, the shoulder is stiff but the pain decreases. Physical therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of the frozen shoulder. Regardless of which phase of the disease, a therapy program can be very successful in restoring the motion and reducing pain. In addition to therapy, anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections are helpful in reducing the pain, swelling, and stiffness. This program usually results in gradual improvement, although it may take several months.
