Treating a Frozen Shoulder – What NOT to Do

Anyone can have frozen or stiff shoulders – males, females, youngsters, and adults. But, this condition is most common among adults between the ages of 40 to 70 years. When we get a stiff shoulder, our shoulder area goes through multiple stages. At first, there are severe inflammations in the shoulder muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These inflammations make it impossible for patients to move their shoulders. We enter the second stage if the shoulder’s range of motion doesn’t improve in 6 weeks. In this stage, the pain is less severe, but the stiffness keeps increasing. The shoulder’s range of motion doesn’t improve. After months of stiffness, patients finally enter the recovery phase. In this phase, the shoulder joint returns to normalcy. Its range of motion is restored.

Treating Frozen and Stiff Shoulders

If you want your frozen shoulder to directly enter the recovery phase, you need to avoid some things. Firstly, don’t overstrain the injured joints. Instead, seek professional physical therapy to gradually increase your shoulder’s range of motion. In stiff shoulder joints, the joint linings are hard. Stretching them with force may cause even more severe injuries. Instead, stretch the lining gently by performing simple physical exercises every day. Avoid taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory injections, and other medications unless your doctor prescribes them. The injection of steroids and the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs will help with pain relief. But, these substances are addictive and can cause long-term dependencies.

Key Mistakes to Avoid

Not consulting with medical experts on frozen shoulder [ไหล่ ติด, which is the term in Thai] is a major mistake. Medical and physiotherapy experts with prior experience in treating frozen shoulders are the best sources of information. These experts perform detailed diagnoses before recommending therapy, painkillers, or other treatment. More importantly, doctors provide periodic follow-ups to track the extent of the shoulder joint damages. Not taking the medical route can worsen your stiff shoulders.