How to Manage Before & After the Frozen Shoulder Procedure

Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, restricts shoulder joint movement. This ailment causes persistent pain and stiffness in the shoulder, making daily activities challenging and potentially long-lasting if left untreated.

Adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) affects over 300 million people worldwide but remains relatively unknown in the medical community. And although the incidence of this debilitating condition appears to be on the rise, the underlying causes remain unclear.

In this article, we’ll discuss what the risk factors are for developing Frozen Shoulder and what you can do to best manage the condition before and after Dr Oolo-Austin’s  MCD Procedure.

What are Common Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder may develop unilaterally or bilaterally at any point in an adult’s life. While its exact causes continue to elude researchers, Dr. Oolo-Austin has observed a clear pattern from the cases seen at the World Frozen Shoulder clinic.

• Women are twice as likely as men to experience Frozen Shoulder
• It predominantly affects individuals aged 40 to 60
• Those with diabetes or Parkinson’s disease face elevated risk
• Hormonal imbalances increase  susceptibility
• Past shoulder injuries or surgeries resulting in inflammation contribute to the condition’s development

Stages & Progression

Frozen shoulder syndrome manifests in three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing, each with varying durations and hallmark symptoms.

Freezing Stage

This initial stage can span from two to nine months. It commences with shoulder discomfort and stiffness, which gradually intensifies as limitations in range of motion take hold. In the eyes of many healthcare professionals, this stage bears a resemblance to the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, often leading to referrals for imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Frozen Stage

The frozen stage typically lasts four to six months, though it can persist for up to a year. During this phase, adhesions within the shoulder joint’s connective tissue significantly constrict the range of motion, causing persistent shoulder pain. Many patients report heightened nighttime discomfort, making restful sleep elusive.

Thawing Stage

The thawing stage usually comprises a minimum of six months but may extend up to two years. Gradually, the shoulder capsule loosens, the range of motion improves, and pain subsides. However, achieving a complete return to normal function often necessitates appropriate treatment.

Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Frozen Shoulder

For individuals or acquaintances struggling with frozen shoulder symptoms, here are some essential do’s and don’ts for managing the condition:

Don’ts for Frozen Shoulder

1. Don’t Halt Shoulder Movement

Despite the pain and frustration, patients should try to regularly mobilize the affected arm. Extended immobilization of the shoulder joint can complicate long-term recovery.

1. Avoid Abrupt Upper Arm Movements

To maintain a high quality of life and manage pain, it is advisable to avoid activities involving sudden upper arm movements, including most sports and high-impact activities.

1. Refrain from Sleeping on the Affected Side

Nighttime shoulder pain can be particularly challenging to manage. To prevent putting weight on the affected arm during sleep, adopt a supine position (on your back facing upwards) and use soft pillows to support and immobilize the affected arm.

Do’s for Frozen Shoulder

1. Regular Physical Therapy

Complying with the prescribed exercises and stretches from your physical therapy plan is crucial for effective treatment.

1. Use Ice Packs

Applying an ice pack to the affected Shoulder for approximately 10 minutes, 3-4 times daily, can alleviate inflammation and ease pain.

1. Adhere to Doctor’s Advice

Always follow your physician’s medical advice, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.

1. Educate Yourself About Adhesive Capsulitis

Given the limited information available, gaining a deeper understanding of frozen shoulder syndrome can empower patients in their treatment journey.

Consult a Frozen Shoulder Specialist

When conventional therapies and medications often prove ineffective, it’s always best to seek consultation with a frozen shoulder specialist. The World Frozen Shoulder Clinic specializes in this condition, offering a unique, non-invasive approach called the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure. 

Unlike surgical interventions, this procedure employs specialized manual manipulations followed by targeted exercises to facilitate comprehensive recovery. The MCD Procedure, performed within a medical facility, is swift and doesn’t require invasive surgery or general anesthesia, ensuring a quicker return to normalcy.

Enduring the frustration of repeated doctor and therapist visits, often resulting in inconclusive diagnoses or invasive surgical recommendations, can be disheartening. Dr. Oolo-Austin’s MCD Procedure, a pioneering technique in the medical world, prioritizes patient involvement and tailored treatments to preserve joint and tissue integrity. 

Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient, this procedure is a groundbreaking approach to managing Frozen Shoulder, ensuring a prompt return to daily activities. 

Shoulder Treatments Available at World Frozen Shoulder Clinic

If you’re struggling with the pain of Frozen Shoulder, contact the specialists at World Frozen Shoulder Clinic. In addition to the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure, we offer the Shoulder Impingement Syndrome procedure, which relieves the most excruciating shoulder pain. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore this revolutionary approach if you want an effective, comprehensive solution for Frozen Shoulder.

Request a consultation today.

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic