Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Relief in Midvale – Optimal Wellness Center
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition causing stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, we provide comprehensive, targeted treatment options to help ease frozen shoulder symptoms and support a quicker recovery.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by the thickening and tightening of the connective tissue capsule around the shoulder joint, limiting its range of motion. This condition generally progresses through three stages over 1 to 3 years:
Freezing Stage: Shoulder movement causes pain, and stiffness gradually sets in (lasting 2–9 months).
Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but shoulder stiffness worsens, making everyday activities challenging (lasting 4–12 months).
Thawing Stage: Mobility begins to return gradually, though it may take 5–24 months for a full recovery.
Many people with frozen shoulder experience worsening pain at night, often disrupting sleep.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops when the shoulder joint's capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. The exact cause is often unknown, but certain factors increase the risk:
Immobility: After shoulder surgeries, arm fractures, or injuries, immobilization can lead to frozen shoulder.
Systemic Diseases: Health conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease elevate the risk.
Age and Gender: Individuals over 40, especially women, are more susceptible.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The primary symptoms of frozen shoulder include:
Gradual onset of shoulder pain, worsening with movement
Decreasing shoulder mobility, leading to stiffness and reduced functionality
Possible nighttime pain that can disturb sleep
Effective Frozen Shoulder Treatments at Optimal Wellness Center
At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, our goal is to restore shoulder function, alleviate pain, and promote quicker healing through these evidence-based approaches:
Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy is a powerful option for frozen shoulder, as it not only stimulates tissue repair but also breaks up adhesions that limit movement. This treatment often improves range of motion even after the first session, reducing pain and promoting faster recovery. By targeting the fibrous tissue causing stiffness, shockwave therapy accelerates healing and helps restore flexibility in the shoulder joint more effectively than other treatments.
Range-of-Motion Exercises: Our specialists guide patients through tailored stretching and strengthening exercises designed to restore shoulder flexibility safely and gradually.
Physical Therapy: Professional therapy helps improve shoulder mobility and decrease stiffness, promoting long-term flexibility and reducing the likelihood of recurring symptoms.
Chiropractic Care: Targeted adjustments around the shoulder can improve joint alignment, support muscle balance, and relieve tension, which can promote healing.
Cold Laser Therapy: This non-invasive therapy reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue repair, providing relief and promoting flexibility.
Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage helps relax tight shoulder muscles and improves circulation, which can reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
Corticosteroid Injections: If necessary, corticosteroid and numbing injections can help manage pain and inflammation in severe cases, making movement easier.
Arthroscopic Surgery (Rarely Needed): In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to loosen the shoulder capsule.
How to Cure Frozen Shoulder Quickly
While frozen shoulder generally requires time for a full recovery, these tips can speed up healing and reduce discomfort:
Shockwave therapy: StemWave is an effective and non-invasive treatment that accelerates recovery from frozen shoulder by breaking up adhesions in the shoulder joint. This therapy uses high-energy sound waves that penetrate deep into the tissue, targeting the fibrous adhesions that restrict movement and cause pain. By disrupting these adhesions, shockwave therapy restores mobility and reduces pain more quickly than other treatments.
Stay Active: Regular, gentle movement is essential. Avoid full immobilization of the shoulder when possible to prevent stiffness.
Follow a Consistent Exercise Plan: Our specialists will develop a customized exercise plan that progresses as your mobility improves.
Seek Professional Guidance: Working with an experienced team, like ours at Optimal Wellness Center, ensures you are safely moving toward recovery without aggravating symptoms.
Prevention
Preventing frozen shoulder involves maintaining mobility in the shoulder joint, especially after an injury or surgery. Regular exercises and stretches can keep the shoulder joint moving and reduce the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis. Our team at Optimal Wellness Center can provide advice and exercises to help you preserve shoulder mobility and minimize the risk of future shoulder issues.
Request an Appointment
If you're experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, don’t wait. Reach out to Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale for personalized, compassionate care. Our team is dedicated to creating treatment plans that address your unique needs and help you regain mobility and comfort in your daily life.
