Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Dhaka | Adhesive Capsulitis Physiotherapy - AdvanCell

A frozen shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a truly debilitating condition that can turn simple daily tasks into agonizing challenges. The gradual onset of intense pain followed by a severe, inexplicable loss of shoulder motion can leave you frustrated, dependent on others, and struggling even with basic activities like dressing, reaching, or sleeping comfortably. While a frozen shoulder can be a long and challenging journey, with dedicated, specialized physiotherapy, significant relief and restoration of movement are absolutely possible.

At AdvanCell in Dhaka, we understand the profound impact a frozen shoulder has on your life. Our expert physiotherapists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all stages of Adhesive Capsulitis. We provide personalized, evidence-based rehabilitation programs designed to manage your pain, reduce stiffness, restore your shoulder's mobility, and help you regain your independence and quality of life.

What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by progressive pain and a significant, often global, loss of active and passive range of motion in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint (a strong, elastic sac) becomes inflamed, thickened, scarred, and contracts, effectively "freezing" the joint.

Causes and Risk Factors: While often idiopathic (meaning no clear cause), frozen shoulder can be associated with:

• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk.

• Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

• Heart Disease.

• Post-Immobilization: After a shoulder injury, surgery, or stroke where the arm is kept still for too long.

• Minor Trauma: Sometimes triggered by a seemingly minor injury.

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder: Understanding these stages is crucial for effective treatment:

1. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage): This is the initial phase, often lasting 2 to 9 months. You'll experience a gradual onset of shoulder pain, which steadily worsens. As the pain increases, your shoulder slowly loses range of motion. Pain is often worse at night and with movement.

2. Frozen Stage (Stiff Stage): This phase typically lasts 4 to 12 months. The pain may actually begin to subside during this stage, but the stiffness becomes severe. Your shoulder's range of motion is significantly limited, making it extremely difficult to perform daily activities. The joint capsule is at its most contracted.

3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage): This is the longest phase, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or even longer. During this stage, your shoulder motion gradually starts to improve. The pain continues to decrease, and you slowly regain functionality.

Who Benefits from Our Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation? Do You Need Help?

If you are experiencing any of the following, our specialized physiotherapy programs can provide significant relief and support:

• Persistent, worsening shoulder pain that limits movement.

• A formal diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder.

• Severe stiffness that makes it difficult to lift your arm, reach behind your back, or perform overhead activities.

• Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder pain or inability to lie on the affected side.

• Struggling with everyday tasks like dressing, washing hair, or reaching for objects.

• Seeking non-surgical management to avoid invasive procedures.

• Individuals requiring rehabilitation after medical interventions such as cortisone injections, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), or arthroscopic capsular release.

AdvanCell's Approach to Frozen Shoulder Management

At AdvanCell, we approach frozen shoulder with a precise, stage-specific, and patient-centered strategy. Our goal is to reduce your pain, systematically restore your shoulder's mobility, and return you to full function with confidence. Our approach is characterized by:

• Accurate Diagnosis & Staging: Essential for tailoring the correct treatment, as aggressive stretching in the "freezing" stage can worsen pain.

• Stage-Specific Treatment Plans: We adjust our therapies and exercises according to which stage of frozen shoulder you are in, optimizing outcomes and minimizing discomfort.

• Physiotherapist-Led Expertise: Our highly trained and experienced physiotherapists guide you through every step of this challenging recovery.

• Integrated Multi-Modalities: Combining hands-on techniques with advanced therapeutic technologies for comprehensive relief and accelerated healing.

• Patient Education: Empowering you with a deep understanding of your condition and the importance of consistent home exercises.

How We Help: Our Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation Programs Include

Our comprehensive Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation programs are carefully crafted for each stage of your condition:

1. Thorough Assessment:
   
   

• Detailed history of your pain onset, progression, and daily limitations.

• Comprehensive physical examination, including precise measurement of shoulder range of motion (active and passive), pain patterns, muscle strength, and specific tests to rule out other shoulder pathologies.

• Review of any existing imaging (X-rays, MRI) to confirm diagnosis and exclude other issues.

2. Stage-Specific Treatment Strategies:
   
   

• A. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage):
  
  

• Primary Focus: Pain control and managing inflammation.

• Modalities:

• Laser Therapy (LLLT/PBMT): For targeted reduction of inflammation and cellular healing within the joint capsule.

• Ultrasound Therapy: Deep heat and mechanical effects to reduce pain and inflammation.

• IFT (Interferential Therapy) & TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Electrical stimulation for effective pain relief.

• Heat & Cold Therapy: Applied strategically to reduce pain and muscle spasm.

• Manual Therapy: Gentle soft tissue massage to surrounding compensatory muscles (neck, upper back) and very gentle, pain-free oscillations of the shoulder joint.

• Gentle Exercises: Pendulum exercises, assisted range of motion exercises (e.g., using a stick or pulley) performed strictly within pain-free limits. Aggressive stretching is avoided in this stage.

• Patient Education: Understanding the stages, activity modification to avoid aggravating pain.

• B. Frozen Stage (Stiff Stage):
  
  

• Primary Focus: Restoring range of motion by breaking down adhesions and addressing stiffness. Pain may be less of a limiting factor here.

• Aggressive Manual Therapy:

• Joint Mobilization: Specific, progressive manual techniques (grades I-IV) to gently stretch and break down adhesions in the shoulder capsule, restoring joint play.

• Myofascial Release & Deep Tissue Massage: To release tight muscles around the shoulder, neck, and upper back that compensate or contribute to stiffness.

• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Advanced stretching techniques to gain range.

• Progressive Therapeutic Exercises:

• Active Stretching: Guided stretches to increase flexibility (e.g., wall slides, overhead stretches).

• Strengthening Exercises: Beginning with gentle isometric exercises, progressing to strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizing muscles to support the newly gained range.

• Advanced Targeted Therapies (if indicated):

• Dry Needling / Wet Needling (Trigger Point Injections): For severe muscle guarding or stubborn trigger points in muscles surrounding the shoulder that contribute to stiffness.

• C. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage):
  
  

• Primary Focus: Regaining full strength, endurance, and functional use of the shoulder.

• Advanced Progressive Strengthening: Building strength and endurance in all shoulder muscles to support full range of motion and prevent re-stiffening.

• Functional Training: Integrating shoulder movement into daily activities, work-specific tasks, and recreational pursuits.

• Proprioception & Motor Control Exercises: To improve coordination and stability of the shoulder joint.

3. Patient Education & Home Program (Crucial Throughout All Stages):
   
   

• Detailed instruction on specific home exercises tailored to your current stage and progress.

• Advice on pain management, posture, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain.

• Understanding the importance of consistency in your home program for successful long-term recovery.

4. Collaboration & Referral (When Necessary):
   
   

• We maintain open communication with your referring physician.

• If conservative therapy does not yield sufficient progress after an appropriate period, or if pain is too severe to progress with therapy, we will discuss and recommend further medical interventions such as cortisone injections, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), or arthroscopic capsular release, and provide post-procedure rehabilitation.

Benefits of Professional Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder at AdvanCell:

• Significant Pain Reduction: Especially during the painful "freezing" stage.

• Improved Range of Motion: Systematically restores your shoulder's flexibility and movement.

• Faster Recovery Time: While still a long journey, dedicated therapy can significantly shorten the overall duration of the condition.

• Reduced Need for Surgery: For many, consistent physiotherapy can lead to excellent outcomes without surgical intervention.

• Improved Functional Independence: Regain the ability to perform daily tasks like dressing, lifting, and reaching.

• Better Sleep Quality: Reduced pain and discomfort often lead to more restful nights.

• Prevention of Residual Stiffness: Ensures a more complete and lasting recovery.

Why Choose AdvanCell for Your Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation in Dhaka?

• Specialized Expertise: Our physiotherapists have extensive experience and advanced training in managing complex shoulder conditions like frozen shoulder.

• Stage-Specific & Personalized Care: We tailor your treatment precisely to your current stage of the condition, ensuring optimal and comfortable progression.

• Comprehensive Modalities: Access to a wide range of cutting-edge therapies (Laser, Ultrasound, Dry Needling, Manual Therapy) for holistic pain management and mobility restoration.

• Integrated Approach: We combine hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and advanced technology for superior outcomes.

• Patient Education & Empowerment: We empower you with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in your recovery and maintain long-term shoulder health.

• Empathetic & Supportive Environment: We understand the challenges of frozen shoulder and provide compassionate care throughout your journey.

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