How do I Choose the Best Frozen Shoulder Remedy?

There are several frozen shoulder remedy options available including medications, injections, alternative therapies, and surgery for severe cases. Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain, stiffness, and noticeable loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. In many cases the cause is unknown, creating a situation where doctors and other medical professionals are forced to try a trial and error method of treatment for each patient. It is possible for the symptoms to be severe enough to prohibit the patient from raising his or her arm above the head, and pain may extend to the neck region as well. Most doctors will begin treatment with the least invasive method possible and continue experimenting with treatments until successful.

The most commonly used types of medications for frozen shoulder remedy choices are oral pain killers and steroids. The pain relievers used for this condition are most often over-the-counter varieties, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Most doctors recommend using these medications for a short time only, as long term use can have detrimental effects on the stomach and kidney functions. Steroids are given to promote faster healing and may provide some pain relief for certain patients. The side effects of many steroids, such as trouble sleeping and increased appetite, indicate use of these medications should be short term as well.

For moderate to severe frozen shoulder symptoms, many physicians prescribe steroid injections directly into the affected joint. This frozen shoulder remedy is used to relieve the pain and inflammation of the condition. Steroid injections have proven to be remarkable pain relievers, but its ability to lessen swelling and inflammation seems to vary from patient to patient.

It is not uncommon for doctors and other medical professionals to recommend alternative frozen shoulder remedy options, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical therapy. These therapies are designed to encourage greater range of motion and also promote muscle relief to the shoulder region. In many cases, alternative therapies are used in combination with other more conventional treatments.

Frozen shoulder surgery is usually the last type of treatment recommended for this condition. One of the most common kinds is manipulation, a procedure done under local or general anesthesia. Manipulation allows the doctor to manually move and loosen the tissues of the shoulder without causing the patient pain, though soreness can be expected after the treatment. Keyhole surgery has replaced the old style of open frozen shoulder surgery as another treatment option. Patients are carefully screened before undergoing this procedure, and it is not often used.