Exercises for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder will help restore joint mobility

Pain in the back, neck and shoulders can be disturbing for various reasons. In some cases, pain is accompanied by stiffness and limited mobility of the shoulder. This condition is called adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, or frozen shoulder syndrome. How to recognize such a condition, prevent its occurrence and get rid of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder with the help of simple exercises, you will learn from the article prepared for you by estet-portal.com.

What is adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and what are its symptoms?

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder affects the ligaments of the capsule of the shoulder joint. As the capsule is damaged, scar tissue is formed, resulting in reduced mobility of the shoulder and pain.

Signs and symptoms of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

As a rule, this problem develops gradually, over several months, and its symptoms, if not addressed in time, can lead to significant consequences. There are three main stages of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder:

1. Pain and stiffness in shoulder. Pain most often occurs when moving, at night the pain may intensify. This stage can last up to 9 months.
2. Restricted shoulder mobility – the duration of this stage can be up to 12 months.
3. Improvement. Pain gradually fades away, it can last for 5 months, but there is no guarantee of complete restoration of shoulder mobility.

Risk Factors:

• shoulder injury or surgery;
• diabetes;
• chronic heart disease;
• stroke;
• hyperactivity of the thyroid gland;
• underactive thyroid gland.

This problem occurs more often in women, mostly after the age of 40.

Available treatments for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

1. Heat/Cold Treatment: Alternately applying heat and cold to the joint helps relieve pain and swelling, and improves blood circulation.
2. Painkillers. Ibuprofen in the most painful stages of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory foods, including those containing omega-3 fatty acids, also help to improve the patient's condition.
3. Exercise. Movement and stretching is necessary even for the affected joint. Physical activity can help reduce the chance of developing adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder after an injury or surgery.
4. Physiotherapy. The physiotherapist combines exercises, massage and exposure to temperatures. The advantage of such treatment – constant professional supervision.
5. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (this type of treatment requires a special machine).
6. Corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as partially restore shoulder mobility.
7. Operation. An extreme measure that is used in the most severe cases.

In any case, the sooner treatment for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is started, the better.

Exercises you can do at home for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Before performing exercises with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, you must first warm up the shoulder – take a warm bath or shower (10-15 minutes) or use a heating pad for this.

Pendulum exercise

Slightly bend down and lower the arm that hurts. Relax your hand and begin to describe small circles with it. "Draw" 10 & ndash; 15 circles in each direction (clockwise and reverse) once a day. As the pain eases, increase the diameter of the circle, but do not overdo it.

Towel stretch exercise

Hold the towel with both hands behind your back as shown in the picture. With your good hand, pull on the towel so that the sore hand rises and stretches up. Repeat 10–20 times a day.

Toe walking exercise

Stand a short distance from the wall and turn around to face it. Touch the wall with the fingertips of the affected arm at waist level, with your arm slightly bent at the elbow. Slowly step your fingers up the wall as high as you can. Do not strain the muscles of the shoulder – only fingers work. Slowly lower your arm and repeat the exercise 10–20 times a day.

Exercise "pulling through the body"

This exercise can be done standing or sitting. Raise the affected arm by the elbow, then lift it up and out in an extended position to the side, applying slight pressure to stretch the affected shoulder. Hold your hand in this position for 10-15 seconds and repeat the exercise 10-15 times a day.

Exercise "hand behind the head"

Lie on the floor or on the bed, holding the affected arm by the elbow, raise it above your head. With your good hand, gently apply pressure to your bad hand to slightly stretch it. Freeze for 10-15 seconds, repeat the exercise 10-15 times a day.

Aroma oil massage can also help relieve pain from adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.