Rec Center Physical Therapy

Aches or Pains limiting your daily activities in life?

Physical Therapists have the most specialized education to improve quality of life without surgery or prescription drugs.

Consider our expert care at Rec Center Physical Therapy as your first line of defense to address any limitations you may be experiencing.

Your First Visit

• Allow at least 1 hour for the first visit
• Child care available
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring insurance card and doctor's referral/order if applicable
• All patients under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
• Front row parking is available for our patients (next to handicapped parking)
• Bring or wear comfortable clothing to allow accessible treatment for your evaluation. (clinic may also provide you with clothing)

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Definition

"Frozen shoulder" is the term used to describe a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes thickened and contracts (shrinks). When the capsule shrinks the shoulder joint does not move as easily and gradually more and more motion is lost until the shoulder becomes "frozen" and does not move any more.

Mechanism of Injury

A number of conditions can cause frozen shoulder. One of the most common causes is immobilizing the shoulder after injury or because of another painful shoulder problem such as bursitis or tendonitis. There are many conditions that have been linked to frozen shoulder. Some of these conditions are listed below:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or the acromioclavicular joint
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Heart attacks
• Fractures (broken bones) of the upper arm
• Certain cancers

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder can be divided into three different phases.

1) The painful period - This period can last anywhere from six weeks to eight months. Towards the end of this period shoulder pain usually decreases.

2) The frozen or stiff period - This period can last anywhere from six weeks to one year. There is often minimal pain during this period. The most bothersome thing in this period is the lack of shoulder range of motion. During this period shoulder range of motion does not change.

3) The recovery period - This period can last anywhere from six months to two years. During the recovery period there is a gradual increase in shoulder range of motion. Usually there is full recovery of shoulder range of motion. Unfortunately, sometimes the last degrees of range of motion do not come back.

Physical Therapy Intervention

Rec Center Physical Therapy can be the first line of defense for those suffering from a frozen shoulder by offering a program of stretching and strengthening exercises as well as a number of anti-inflammatory and pain reduction strategies.

http://www.shoulderpaininfo.com/shoulderAdhesiveCapsulitis.html