Reader Question:

What is a frozen shoulder, and can physical therapy help?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the capsule of tissue that envelops the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, causing the shoulder joint to contract and form bands of scar tissue called adhesions. These adhesions cause the shoulder to become stiff and movement painful. The cause for a frozen shoulder is not well understood and can occur without any specific injury. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain, limited shoulder movement, difficulty with overhead or behind the back activities and pain when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder. Physical therapy may be ordered by your physician to increase shoulder joint motion and to decrease the loss of muscle on the affected arm. Physical therapists can help a patient develop a stretching and strengthening exercise program while incorporating heat, ultrasound, and other modalities to help with pain control. The patient must continue to perform the exercises after working with a physical therapist as recovery time can take months.

Vince Frisillo, MPT
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Excel Therapy Specialists