Frozen Shoulder

Question: My doctor is sending me to physical therapy for a "frozen shoulder".  I have heard that physical therapy is very painful.  What is a frozen shoulder, and what should I expect during my treatment?

Answer:  A frozen shoulder, which in medical terms is called "adhesive capsulitis", means that you have lost significant movement of your shoulder.  The cause of frozen shoulder may vary from overuse, to diabetic nature, to injury, but many times the cause is unknown.  Patients will describe their shoulder as becoming increasingly stiff and paiful over a period of time.  The pain often results in the person limited their movement which then perpetuates the cycle of motion loss, capsular tighthening, and increased pain.  This loss of movement results in being unable to do tasks such as reaching overhead into cabines or behind the back to tuck in a shirt.
In physical therapy, you will first undergo an evaluation performed by a licensed physical therapist.  Your range of motion, strength, and function will be assessed.  Specific exercises will be prescribed and the physical therapist will perform hands-on techniques to improve the mobility of the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues.  Physical therapy may be uncomfortable at times, but your therapist will ensure that you are not in any uneccessary discomfort. There are many tecnhiques such as counting and breathing through stretches and many modalities such as ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation used to make therapy as comfortable as possible with the goal of regaining joing mobility and function.