Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint that limits movement. This condition usually develops gradually, beginning with increasing shoulder pain, followed by difficulty lifting or rotating the arm, until the shoulder becomes stiff and hard to move. Symptoms of frozen shoulder can interfere with daily activities and significantly reduce quality of life.
Therefore, it is important to understand the proper ways to treat frozen shoulder, as there are various treatment options available, ranging from pain-relieving medications and therapy to improve shoulder mobility, to certain medical procedures depending on the severity of the condition.
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How to Treat Frozen Shoulder
Below are several methods commonly recommended by doctors to treat frozen shoulder:
1. Medications
Pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with frozen shoulder. In certain cases, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications.
2. Therapy
A physical therapist can guide patients through range-of-motion exercises to help restore shoulder mobility. Consistency and commitment to performing these exercises are essential to achieve optimal recovery.
3. Surgery and Other Procedures
Most cases of frozen shoulder improve on their own within 12 to 18 months. However, for severe or persistent symptoms, several additional treatment options may be considered, including:
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Steroid Injections
Injecting corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can help reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility, especially when administered early in the course of frozen shoulder.
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Hydrodilatation
This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the joint capsule to stretch the tissue, making the shoulder easier to move. Hydrodilatation is sometimes combined with steroid injections.
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Shoulder Manipulation
During this procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia so they are unconscious and feel no pain. The doctor then moves the shoulder joint in various directions to help loosen stiffened tissue.
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Surgery
Surgery for frozen shoulder is relatively rare. However, if other treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be performed to remove scar tissue from inside the shoulder joint. This procedure is typically done using small incisions with the assistance of a small camera inside the joint (arthroscopy).
Recommended Orthopedic Specialist for Frozen Shoulder at Mandaya Royal Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by an experienced orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty in shoulder and elbow conditions, dr. Troydimas Panjaitan, Sp.OT (K) Shoulder & Elbow. His expertise is one of the hospital’s strengths in providing comprehensive treatment for shoulder and elbow disorders.
Dr. Troydimas Panjaitan completed his Orthopedic and Traumatology specialist training at the University of Indonesia. He further advanced his expertise through subspecialty training in Shoulder & Elbow at the Sports Medicine & Joint Center, Funabashi Orthopaedic Hospital, Chiba, Japan—an internationally recognized referral center for sports medicine and joint disorders.
In his clinical practice, dr. Troy is skilled in performing various procedures, ranging from arthroscopic surgery to arthroplasty of the shoulder and elbow joints. He is also highly experienced in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those related to sports and physical activity.
To continuously enhance his skills and stay updated with the latest medical advancements, dr. Troy actively participates in numerous national and international training programs, courses, and seminars, serving as a participant, moderator, and instructor. This extensive experience further reinforces his reputation as a shoulder and elbow specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM WIB
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM WIB
Arthroscopy: dr. Troy’s Expertise in Treating Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is generally managed with conservative treatments such as pain-relieving medications and physiotherapy to improve shoulder mobility. However, in some patients, pain and stiffness may persist despite these treatments. In such cases, dr. Troy may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery as a further treatment option.
One of dr. Troy’s key procedures for treating frozen shoulder is arthroscopic shoulder capsular release. This minimally invasive surgery is performed through a small incision of approximately 1 cm in the shoulder to release thickened joint capsule tissue that causes stiffness and pain.
During the arthroscopic procedure, the doctor uses a small pencil-sized camera to directly visualize the inside of the shoulder joint. This allows for precise and safe treatment.
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