Frozen Shoulder Recovery: Age Factors and Treatment Options

Q: Frozen Shoulder Recovery: Age Factors and Treatment Options

Hello, Miss： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>Here are my responses and suggestions： <br>1. <br>In terms of treatment for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), aside from heat therapy and electrical therapy, exercise therapy is the most important. <br>Active exercises to enhance

Frozen shoulder

My mother is 65 years old and has been undergoing rehabilitation for frozen shoulder for nearly two months.
Her issue seems to persist.
She has received treatments such as infrared therapy, laser therapy, and interferential current therapy.
Is the slow recovery related to her age? Should she continue with the treatment, or would corticosteroid injections be a quicker option? Thank you!

Yuwen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/20

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation

Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry.
Here are my responses and suggestions:
1.
In terms of treatment for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), aside from heat therapy and electrical therapy, exercise therapy is the most important.
Active exercises to enhance joint mobility, such as Codman's pendulum exercises, shoulder circles, and finger ladder exercises, should be emphasized, along with the therapist's shoulder joint mobilization techniques.
2.
If there is pain during shoulder abduction or overhead activities that cannot exceed 90 degrees, then corticosteroid injections may be considered, but it is advisable to limit this to one injection, as the primary goal is pain relief and improving the range of motion.
3.
If these measures are ineffective, consider performing ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm whether there is a rotator cuff tear and to determine if surgical intervention is necessary.
Finally, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2008/01/20

More Info

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Recovery from frozen shoulder can indeed be influenced by age, and your mother's situation is a common one among older adults. At 65 years old, the healing process may be slower due to several factors, including decreased elasticity of connective tissues, reduced blood flow, and the presence of other age-related health issues.

In general, the recovery timeline for frozen shoulder can vary widely among individuals. For some, it may take several months to a few years to fully recover. Older adults often experience a longer duration of symptoms compared to younger individuals. This is partly because older adults may have pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis or other degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, which can complicate recovery.

Regarding the treatments your mother has been receiving, modalities such as infrared therapy, laser therapy, and interferential current therapy can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, but they are often not sufficient on their own to restore full range of motion. Physical therapy, particularly exercises aimed at improving shoulder mobility, is crucial. Codman's exercises (pendulum exercises) and other stretching techniques can be beneficial in gradually increasing the range of motion.

If your mother has been undergoing physical therapy for two months and is still experiencing significant limitations, it may be worth discussing the following options with her healthcare provider:
1. Continued Physical Therapy: If she is not already doing so, a more focused physical therapy regimen that includes specific stretching and strengthening exercises may be necessary. A physical therapist can tailor a program to her specific needs and monitor her progress.

2. Corticosteroid Injections: If pain is a significant barrier to her ability to participate in therapy, a corticosteroid injection may be considered. This can help reduce inflammation and pain, allowing her to engage more fully in physical therapy. However, it's important to limit the number of injections to avoid potential side effects.

3. Surgical Options: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic release of the shoulder capsule may be considered. These procedures can help restore range of motion more quickly, but they come with their own risks and recovery considerations.

4. Monitoring and Assessment: If her symptoms persist or worsen, further imaging studies (like an MRI) may be warranted to rule out other underlying issues, such as rotator cuff tears or other structural problems.

In conclusion, while age can impact the recovery speed from frozen shoulder, it is essential to continue with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy and possibly other interventions. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare provider will help ensure that her treatment is adjusted as needed based on her progress. Encourage her to stay active within her limits and to communicate openly with her healthcare team about her symptoms and concerns.

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