Does Physical Therapy For Frozen Shoulder Work?

Most doctors will only attempt to treat the symptoms of frozen shoulder. To do this, they many try any number of different treatments, such as acupuncture or injections. Frozen shoulder symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, can usually be reduced or sometimes alleviated all together with the right combination of treatments.

Of the treatments available, physical therapy for frozen shoulder is the one that is most argued about. The effectiveness of the physical therapy is the question. Frozen shoulder, by nature, will heal itself with time and many physicians feel that they simply do not wish to expose their patient to any more pain and suffering than they are probably already going through.

Many, however, still believe that some amount of physical therapy for frozen shoulder can be beneficial if done at the right time in the progress of the condition. This physical therapy is aimed at relieving both pain and stiffness and will typically consist of both massage and stretching exercises. The massage part of the physical therapy may be a two step process that consists of either a manual massage or a manual manipulation (chiropractic), and a deep heat massage, usually done through ultrasound.

Physical therapy is done to stretch the muscles in the shoulder joint; however, most physicians will recommend that no exercises be done unless under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Because of the sticky nature of the condition, it is very easy to damage the joint further by overexerting or incorrectly performing an exercise.

Whatever the case, a patient should always remember that physical therapy for frozen shoulder can help to relieve the pain and stiffness, but it will probably only be effective if done during the first or last stage of the condition. There are three stages to frozen shoulder. The first stage is called the freezing stage. At this point, the stiffness is just starting to set in and there is still some sort of mobility in the joint.

The last stage is similar, except that the patient will gradually begin to realize a return in their range of motion. Either of these stages will benefit by some daily stretching exercises and massage to relieve the inflammation. During the frozen stage, the physical therapy will most likely be very limited in its effectiveness and will cause the patient unnecessary pain.