Frozen shoulder is one of the most common joint problems faced by people over 40, especially women. Medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, frozen shoulder causes extreme pain and stiffness in the shoulder and deeply impacts its motion and making it hard to move. Dr. Shekhar Singal, the best orthopedic doctor in Ludhiana suggests physical therapy as the primary line of treatment for treating frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder- Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Dr. Shekhar Singal, specialist of shoulder dislocation surgery in Punjab explains that our shoulder is a type of ball and socket joint. It is made up of three bones namely collar bone, upper arm bone and shoulder blade. The joint is surrounded by a strong tissue called shoulder capsule. A synovial fluid (lubricating agent) is present within the shoulder capsule and the joint which makes the movement more smooth and seamless.
What happens in frozen shoulder? Symptoms & Stages
Severe pain and inability to move the shoulder indicates that it’s time to consult the best orthopedician near you. Your orthopedician will diagnose a frozen shoulder based on your movements or sometimes MRI scan reports. Dr. Shekhar Singal- the best ortho doctor in Ludhiana shares that the thickening of shoulder capsule is the key reason for the development of frozen shoulder in many patients. This impacts the movement of the shoulder as it becomes stiff and tight.
Dr. Shekhar recommends visiting an orthopedician before going for a shoulder replacement surgery in Punjab as in most cases frozen shoulder gets healed of its own. There are mainly three stages of the frozen shoulder which may last from few months to a couple of years.
Freezing
This is the beginning stage where your shoulder starts losing its range of motion. The pain is gradually growing. This stage lasts for around 6 weeks to 7-8 months.
Frozen
Though the painful symptoms may subside during this stage the patient still feels excessive stiffness. The daily activities are severely hampered.
Thawing
The stiffness and pain symptoms gradually improve. The shoulder motion is gradually restored within 10-12 months but regaining complete shoulder strength may take up to 2-3 years.
What are the causes of frozen shoulder?
According to Dr. Shekhar Singal- the best joint surgeon in Ludhiana, there can be several reasons that put you at risk of developing this condition. People suffering from ailments such as diabetes, hypo and hyperthyroidism, cardiac disorder, Parkinson’s disease or a longer period of inactivity (especially after surgery/fracture) are at a higher risk.
What is the treatment for frozen shoulder?
Dr. Shekhar- the specialist of shoulder dislocation surgery in Punjab suggests that frozen shoulder usually gets better over time but may take up to 2-3 years for a full recovery. The primary line of treatment involves controlling pain and restoring motion and strength with physical therapy along with medication.
Physical Therapy
The best orthopedic doctor in Ludhiana will recommend different exercises and stretches to ease your condition. A personalized exercise plan will be given to the patient that will help him/her to regain strength, relieve pain and restore the range of motion. In case, you are not getting any relief even after 3-4 months of daily exercise, you may need to consult the best orthopedist near you for further treatment. The doctor may also recommend cold compression for several days.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend several over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines or steroidal injections that will help to ease the pain as well as reduce shoulder inflammation.
Shoulder surgery
If neither medication nor physical therapy is working, then your orthopedician may recommend shoulder surgery.
Shoulder manipulation
Here, the orthopedician will make your shoulder move forcefully. This may result in tearing or stretching of tissues that are hindering your shoulder motion. Dr. Shekhar Singal- the best ortho doctor in Ludhiana shares that the patients may experience an increase in movement of the shoulder after the surgery, which is completely normal.
Shoulder surgery
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where incisions are made through the tight section of your joint capsule. After that, a small tube is inserted to remove scar tissues.
Either you undergo shoulder manipulation or surgery the patient will require physical therapy to expedite recovery.
Frozen shoulder treatment in Ludhiana
Dr. Shekhar Singal recommends physical therapy and medication in the initial stages to treat frozen shoulder. Though, the condition will improve automatically after a couple of years but medical assistance helps you recover quickly and efficiently.
Is physical therapy not giving results? Is your frozen shoulder becoming a painful and unbearable problem?
Contact Orthoderma Clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shekhar Singal- the best ortho doctor in Punjab. Feel free to get in touch with us at +91-98569-00169 or request an online appointment now!