Frozen Shoulder Treatment Overview (Frozen Shoulder = Adhesive Capsulitis) 🔍 What Is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff, limiting motion. It typically progresses in three phases: Freezing – Pain increases, and motion becomes limited. Frozen – Stiffness persists, but pain may lessen. Thawing – Gradual return of motion over months. 🧊 Treatment Approaches 1. 🏠 Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Most patients improve with conservative care. Rest & Activity Modification Avoid painful overhead activities but maintain gentle use to prevent further stiffness. Physical Therapy Mainstay of treatment: Stretching exercises Range-of-motion exercises (pendulum swings, wall climbs, etc.) Strengthening as pain reduces Medications NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) for pain and inflammation Occasionally oral steroids for short-term relief Hot/Cold Therapy Helps reduce pain and improve circulation before therapy. 2. 💉 Interventional Treatment For persistent pain and stiffness: Corticosteroid Injections Intra-articular steroid injection reduces inflammation and pain—may accelerate early recovery. Hydrodilatation (Distension Arthrography) A saline + steroid injection is used to stretch and break capsular adhesions under image guidance. PRP Injections Emerging treatment showing some benefit in reducing inflammation and improving mobility.