Should I Get Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder After the MCD Procedure?

Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) is far more effective at treating frozen Shoulders than just relying on physical therapy. 

In fact, physical therapy for a frozen shoulder is often not helpful, can be uncomfortable, and may even worsen the condition. 

People with frozen shoulder may spend a lot of money and time on physical therapy over months or years without experiencing much relief or, in some cases, finding that their condition worsens.

However, physical therapy may still be necessary for recovery after the MCD procedure. 

This blog explains how physical therapy complements the MCD procedure in healing a frozen shoulder.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

It happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint, called the shoulder capsule, gets inflamed and thickened. 

This makes moving the shoulder difficult, leading to discomfort and limited motion.

What are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is characterized by several symptoms that typically develop gradually over time. 

These symptoms may include:

1. Pain: Persistent pain in the shoulder is a common early symptom. The pain may be dull or aching and often worsens with movement.

2. Stiffness: Gradual onset of stiffness in the shoulder joint is a hallmark of Frozen Shoulder. This stiffness can make it challenging to perform everyday activities, especially those that involve raising the arm or reaching behind the back.

3. Limited Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, there is a noticeable decrease in the ability to move the shoulder. This limitation can affect activities such as combing hair, reaching for objects on high shelves, or putting on a seatbelt.

4. Difficulty Sleeping: Pain and discomfort from Frozen Shoulder may interfere with sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side.

5. Progressive Worsening: Symptoms tend to worsen over time, reaching a peak before gradually improving. The entire course of Frozen Shoulder can last for several months to a few years.

What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder typically progresses through stages, each characterized by different symptoms. 

The stages are as follows:

Stage 1: People usually notice Frozen Shoulder when they feel a constant, dull pain in their shoulder. In the first stage, lasting two to nine months, the shoulder becomes uncomfortable, and stiffness increases, limiting movement.

Stage 2: In the second stage, the upper arm and shoulder pain decreases. 

However, the joint capsule’s stiffness and restricted range of motion become more pronounced. 

Patients might experience sharp, sudden nerve pain when attempting forceful or abrupt movements beyond their usual limits. This stage can persist for a period ranging from four months to more than a year.

Stage 3: In the third and last stage, the shoulder gradually starts to unfreeze, and the range of motion returns to its normal state. 

This thawing period typically lasts about two to three years in approximately 90% of cases. However, it’s important to note that a frozen shoulder may persist in 10% of cases without medical intervention. 

Notably, more than half of those who avoid treatment may experience lasting damage as the body releases enzymes into the joint’s synovial fluids, leading to cartilage erosion. 

Additionally, muscular atrophy, or muscle wasting, can further complicate recovery and contribute to a challenging rehabilitation process.

Make Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) Part of Your Frozen Shoulder Treatment Plan 

The Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) Procedure created by Dr. Allan Gary Oolo-Austin at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics is celebrated as a noteworthy medical breakthrough in treating frozen shoulder. 

It is completely non-invasive and does not involve any incisions into the shoulder.

This pioneering method typically finishes within an hour. While conducted in a medical facility, the MCD procedure at a World Frozen Shoulder Clinic does not require an operating room or general anesthesia.

Whether a patient arrives with severe pain significantly affecting their daily life or simply desires a return to normal function, they can leave within an hour, completely relieved of pain and with a significant improvement in their mobility.

How Does MCD Procedure Work for Shoulder Joint Flexibility?

This is what you can anticipate throughout the procedure:

1. Before and following the procedure, targeted myoneural protocols are employed to activate the muscles surrounding the shoulder. 

This aids in achieving prompt, regulated shoulder movement and addresses muscle imbalances in frozen shoulder. It facilitates the swiftest and most comprehensive recovery.

2. Afterwards, our anesthesiologists carefully give specific injections to help the non-surgical process. 

They also provide a special combination of sedative medication through the vein to ensure complete pain relief during the entire operation. 

Our nurses then continuously use electronic monitoring to keep track of patients’ vital signs during the procedure and in the recovery room.

3. At World Frozen Shoulder clinics, we use a special device called the Multi-probe to eliminate adhesions, gently bringing back full mobility without discomfort. 

Afterward, we use specific techniques to address adhesions, limiting rotation and repositioning the humerus for more space. 

Patients are then guided to do exercises to rehabilitate tissues, maintain improved mobility, and restore the full range of motion.

What are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder After the MCD Procedure?

Once the shoulder begins to regain its normal range of motion and the stiffness diminishes, physical therapy promotes strength, flexibility, and overall functional recovery. 

Here’s how frozen shoulder recovery exercises help after the MCD Procedure:

1. Restoration of Strength: Physical therapy includes targeted strengthening exercises for shoulder muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. 

This helps rebuild muscle strength that may have been lost during limited mobility.

2. Improvement of Shoulder Joint Flexibility: Shoulder stretching routines are incorporated to enhance flexibility in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. 

This is essential for preventing the recurrence of stiffness and maintaining optimal range of motion.

3. Correction of Muscle Imbalances: Physical therapists address any muscle imbalances that may have developed during the period of Frozen Shoulder. 

This helps ensure proper shoulder joint flexibility and reduces the risk of future shoulder issues.

4. Functional Training: Exercises are tailored to mimic real-life movements and activities, enabling patients to regain functional abilities in daily tasks. 

This can include reaching, lifting, and other routine activities that may have been challenging during the Frozen Shoulder phase.

5. Education and Home Exercises: Patients receive guidance on maintaining their progress at home through specific exercises. 

This empowers individuals to actively participate in their recovery and continue improving between therapy sessions.

Shoulder Mobility Exercises and Techniques Used in Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Recovery

The right exercises and techniques can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall shoulder function.

Physical therapy exercises for frozen shoulder include:

1. Pendulum Swings: This exercise involves gently swinging the arm in small circles while standing and supporting oneself with the other hand.
2. Passive Range of Motion (PROM): This technique involves a therapist gently moving the arm through its full range of motion while the patient remains relaxed. It helps stretch the joint and surrounding tissues without causing pain or discomfort.
3. Active Range of Motion (AROM): This technique involves the patient actively moving their arm through its full range of motion, with or without assistance from the therapist. It helps improve muscle strength and joint mobility.
4. Strengthening Exercises: These exercises target specific muscles in the shoulder and surrounding areas to improve stability and support. 

Examples include shoulder shrugs, rows, and external rotations. Resistance bands and weights can be used to increase intensity. 

5. Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain and stiffness. Physical therapists can provide education and exercises to improve posture and prevent future issues.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Plan at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics

At World Frozen Shoulder Clinics, you can rely on skilled specialists with experience in using the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) Procedure to treat frozen shoulder.

Get in touch with us to find out if you are  eligible for the life-changing potential of the procedure. 

Request a free consultation today.

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic