As a leading physical therapist in Troy, Illinois, Tailor-Made Physical Therapy helps many patients dealing with adhesive capsulitis, also known as a frozen shoulder. What causes a frozen shoulder and how do you both diagnose and treat it? Learn how physical therapists can help you overcome this common injury. 

Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Key Information Troy Residents Should Know

Before we dive into the causes of a frozen shoulder, it’s important to understand what this injury entails. As the name implies, a frozen shoulder limits shoulder movement and the range of motion in your upper arms. The condition primarily affects women more than men and occurs most often in patients over the age of 45. 

Moving your shoulder will become difficult with this condition and you might also experience pain in the area. Seek treatment quickly to reduce the chance of having the injury impact both of your shoulder joints. 

What Causes a Frozen Shoulder? Possible Reasons Behind the Condition

Healthcare professionals agree that a frozen shoulder can develop without any clear reason. However, there are a few issues that can occur before diagnosing frozen shoulder and treating it. Discover the possible risk factors and conditions that may lead to adhesive capsulitis. 

Immobilization

Say you experience an injury that causes your arm to be in a sling for several weeks. This lack of movement in your shoulder can ultimately lead to adhesive capsulitis. You’ll feel stiff and need physical therapy to regain your muscle strength and flexibility. 

Inflammation

When the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed, they are no longer able to expand and contract. As a result, you’ll have a stiff shoulder and develop scar tissue around the joint. The inflammation could occur on its own or because of an underlying injury. 

Pain From Other Injuries or Conditions

What causes a frozen shoulder aside from inflammation and shoulder immobilization? Some people receive a frozen shoulder diagnosis that stems from another condition affecting their joints, such as:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Torn rotator cuff

If you suffer from a shoulder joint injury or health condition, treat it carefully to avoid the symptoms of a frozen shoulder. For example, you might need surgery to repair a serious rotator cuff tear or find that physical therapy helps you manage arthritis pain. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for your shoulder injury. 

How to Diagnose and Treat a Frozen Shoulder 

Now that you know what causes a frozen shoulder, let’s review how experts confirm a diagnosis and the various treatment options available. The first step in diagnosing this condition is to perform a physical examination and take your complete health history. Healthcare providers will then check your shoulder movement and range of motion using a series of tests and may order X-rays to rule out other injuries. 

After reaching their diagnosis, doctors can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help heal the tissue around the shoulder joint. They often recommend physical therapy as the primary course of treatment for several weeks or until the shoulder joint heals. Physical therapists will guide you through a number of exercises that focus on strengthening your upper arm muscles and increasing your shoulder’s range of motion. 

You’ll learn stretches and movements that increase shoulder mobility during your physical therapy sessions. Providers expect you to perform these exercises at home so you can continuously build your shoulder strength and recover faster. In addition to traditional physical therapy, you might also benefit from supplemental treatments, such as:

• Deep tissue massages
• Steroid injections
• Hot and cold therapy

Visit Tailor-Made Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain Relief in Troy, Illinois

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder what causes a frozen shoulder. Use the information above to seek medical treatment if you suspect you have adhesive capsulitis. If this or other conditions cause joint pain and you need effective shoulder pain relief, turn to Tailor-Made Physical Therapy for a personalized treatment plan. 

Our compassionate team of physical therapists treats several injuries and will help you overcome pain or inflammation in your joints and muscles. Give us a call at (618) 505-0441 to schedule an appointment at our clinic in Troy, Illinois.