Hello,

Anyone out there experience the 'Frozen Shoulder'?
If so, what did you do for it?
How long did it last?
How did you know you had it?

Are there any preventive exercises one can do?
Thank you.

Jolene:

---

Hello,

Anyone out there experience the 'Frozen Shoulder'?
If so, what did you do for it?
How long did it last?
How did you know you had it?

Are there any preventive exercises one can do?
Thank you.

Edited 08/24/13 19:42

I agree ..went through similar ....but with some guidance ...I did my own P.T.

Surgery only will make the Doctor feel better ....

I had frozen shoulder about ten years ago. It will go away eventually.

I went to an orthopedic clinic, and the doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug and physical therapy. Both were paid for by my medical insurance. The therapist said that my case was pretty bad, but it went away over a few months.

There are youtube videos on physical therapy for frozen shoulder -- you could try some of them on your own before you see a doctor or a therapist. One of the most important things is to move the shoulder some, even if it hurts, because doing nothing with the shoulder (for example, carrying it in a sling) will tend to make the adhesion worse.

For prevention, the therapist told me that I could do some of the same physical therapy things, especially if I think that I feel the symptoms coming back, which fortunately hasn't happened to me.

Edited 08/25/13 02:41

My right shoulder froze a couple of years ago. At the time I didn't realize it had anything to do with Dupuytren's and thought I'd over did it harvesting a couple of acres of squash. Who knew. By the time I went to the Doctor I couldn't life my arm to 90 degrees even through the pain. Ultrasound confirmed frozen shoulder and my doctor sent me to physio. He didn't mention it was related to my Dupuytren's so perhaps even he didn't know. I went to physio for a few months and my exercises progressed during that time. Below is my best recollection of the progression.

For my very first exercise my handy hubby installed a hook in the living room ceiling from which he hung a pully. Caused a few visitors to give me some speculative looks but hey...the exercise worked wonders. As I said I couldn't lift my arm higher than 90 degrees but sitting in a chair and using a rope ran through the pully I was able to PULL my arm up higher. 10x in front and 10x to the side 3x a day until I was to 95% without pain. I did this exercise all through my treatment.

Next up was a cheap kids 10" ball. Standing in front of a wall hold the ball against the wall with the palm of your hand and with small circular movements try to slowly work your way up the wall and back down again. 10x by 3x a day.

The third exercise I did was a B*&#@. I actually needed someone watching me to make sure I was doing it correctly. Standing about a foot back from a doorway place your palms on either side of the opening and lean forward. Sounds really simple but I was twisting without realizing it which defeats the purpose.

Once you get to the point where your ready to progress (and there is no point hurting yourself so go slow) get some exercise bands and attach one end to a door knob (make sure the door is secure) With your back to the door hold on to the band and stretch your arm out to 90 degrees in front of you and then turn sideways and do the same thing again. 10x by once a day.

When you're ready go back to the doorway and place your hands on the wall above it and lean forward.

Lastly to maintain flexibility take up yoga.

I've done everything but the taking up of yoga....It would probably be good for me on a number of fronts but I have all my mobility back and yoga is boring. Hope that helps.