Shoulder pain and stiffness can seriously disrupt your daily life—from brushing your hair to reaching for a shelf. One common cause of limited shoulder movement is frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. It often develops gradually and becomes more painful over time, eventually restricting movement altogether. At the Neurology and Pain Management Clinic (NPMC) in Delhi, Dr. Gautam Arora offers specialized, evidence-based treatments to help patients regain full shoulder function and live pain-free.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed and thickened. This limits movement and leads to pain, especially during certain activities. The exact cause isn’t always known, but it’s more common in people with:
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Diabetes
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Thyroid disorders
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Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries
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Prolonged immobility (e.g., after a stroke or fracture)
Symptoms typically develop in three stages: freezing (painful movement), frozen (stiffness), and thawing (gradual improvement).
Best Treatments to Regain Shoulder Mobility
1. Physical Therapy
The foundation of treatment is guided physiotherapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises are designed to gently restore range of motion. Dr. Arora collaborates with experienced therapists to develop personalized exercise plans that safely increase mobility without causing additional strain.
2. Medications for Pain and Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort, allowing for more effective physical therapy sessions. These can be taken orally or, in some cases, applied topically.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
For patients with severe pain or limited progress through exercise alone, image-guided steroid injections can offer fast relief. Dr. Arora uses ultrasound guidance to ensure precise delivery of medication into the joint capsule, helping reduce inflammation and pain.
4. Hydrodilatation
This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder capsule to stretch it gently and break up adhesions. It is often combined with physiotherapy for improved results.
5. Advanced Pain Management Techniques
In cases of chronic or complex shoulder stiffness, treatments like nerve blocks or neuromodulation may be recommended. These techniques help interrupt pain signals and allow the shoulder to move more freely.
Don’t Wait for the Pain to Worsen
Frozen shoulder rarely improves without proper treatment. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances for a full recovery. At NPMC, Dr. Gautam Arora provides compassionate care and proven therapies to get you from frozen to free—comfortably and confidently.
